Honduran Man Dies Fleeing ICE on Virginia Highway
A tragic incident involving a Honduran national underscores the dangers of fleeing from immigration enforcement. On Thursday, a 24-year-old man named Jose Castro-Rivera was killed while attempting to escape U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on a Virginia highway.
Details of the Incident
The incident occurred around 11 a.m. on Interstate 264 eastbound near the Military Highway interchange. Virginia State Police responded to reports of a vehicle-pedestrian collision. Upon arrival, troopers discovered Castro-Rivera, who had been struck by a 2002 Ford pickup truck.
Initial investigations revealed that Castro-Rivera had exited his vehicle in an attempt to evade ICE agents who had stopped the car as part of a targeted immigration enforcement operation. Unfortunately, while crossing the busy interstate, he was hit by the passing vehicle.
Response and Investigation
Despite attempts to provide aid, including CPR from an ICE officer, Castro-Rivera was pronounced dead at the scene. The Virginia State Police are investigating the crash, while ICE confirmed that their operation aimed to detain those in the country illegally.
Background on Immigration Enforcement
- ICE’s operation was described as “targeted” and “intelligence-based.”
- Officials stated that upon realizing the occupants were undocumented, they attempted to detain them.
- Castro-Rivera’s reaction created a significant safety risk for both himself and other motorists.
This incident occurs amid a broader crackdown on illegal immigration in the United States. Earlier this week, for example, nine immigrants from Africa were detained in New York City during a similar ICE operation focused on criminal activity.
Additionally, on October 15, ICE carried out a removal flight that deported about 140 individuals back to Venezuela. Such enforcement actions are becoming increasingly common as federal authorities intensify their operations across the country.
