The deadly consequences of the Biden administration’s open-border policies were tragically felt again this week in South Carolina, where a 21-year-old college student lost his life at the hands of an illegal alien who had no business being in the United States.
Nate Baker, a University of South Carolina business major and active member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, was struck and killed while riding his motorcycle on Wednesday by 24-year-old Rosali I. Fernandez-Cruz.
The illegal alien, who was originally arrested by Border Patrol in Texas in 2016 and ordered deported in 2018, failed to yield the right of way before slamming into Baker. Instead of rendering aid, Fernandez-Cruz fled the scene, both in his vehicle and later on foot, attempting to escape justice.
Thankfully, a nearby police officer apprehended Fernandez-Cruz shortly after the crash. Authorities say he wasn’t alone — two other men also fled the scene, but so far their immigration status remains unknown and no charges have been filed against them.
Fernandez-Cruz has been charged with hit-and-run resulting in death and is currently being held at a detention center in Columbia, South Carolina. His presence in the country — despite prior deportation orders — is yet another example of how lax border enforcement is putting American lives at risk.
The University of South Carolina issued a statement offering condolences to Baker’s family and friends, saying, “Our prayers and deepest sympathies go out to Nate’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
His fraternity, Phi Gamma Delta, also mourned the loss of a young man remembered for his leadership and heart. “Nate brought light, laughter, and love into all of our lives,” the fraternity posted. “He will always be remembered for the way he showed up for others.”
This tragedy is a grim reminder that behind the statistics of illegal immigration are real, preventable losses. Nate Baker was an American son, college student, and brother — and he was failed by a system that continues to prioritize politics over public safety.
