An illegal alien released into the U.S. under former President Joe Biden’s catch-and-release policies is now accused of nearly killing a Maryland woman in a head-on collision before fleeing the scene. The incident occurred in Prince George’s County, a sanctuary jurisdiction in Maryland, and highlights growing concerns about public safety under lenient immigration enforcement.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Kevin Alexis Mendez-Ortiz, a Honduran national, on November 25 in Oxon Hill, Maryland. ICE confirmed Mendez-Ortiz entered the U.S. illegally and was released into the country on September 30, 2022, after being apprehended near Hidalgo, Texas.
On November 9, Mendez-Ortiz reportedly drove into oncoming traffic in Prince George’s County, striking another vehicle head-on. The female driver sustained catastrophic injuries, including a broken vertebra, broken collarbone, broken wrist, fractured ribs, damage to internal organs, a collapsed lung, and a concussion. Mendez-Ortiz allegedly fled the scene immediately after the crash.
“This tragic incident underscores why ICE remains steadfast in its mission to identify, apprehend, and remove illegal aliens who pose a threat to public safety,” said ICE Baltimore Acting Field Office Director Jeremy Bacon. “A U.S. citizen suffered devastating injuries because of the reckless behavior of an illegal alien who had no lawful right to be in our country.”
Prince George’s County Police issued Mendez-Ortiz multiple citations, including:
- Driving without a license
- Fleeing the scene of an accident causing bodily harm
- Unsafe lane changes
- Driving on the wrong side of the road
- Failure to provide insurance information
Despite this serious criminal behavior, Mendez-Ortiz had been freely living in the U.S. for over a year due to Biden’s 2022 border policies. Prince George’s County, a known sanctuary jurisdiction, has policies that limit cooperation with ICE — allowing dangerous illegal aliens to remain in communities without fear of deportation.
ICE officials reiterated their commitment to removing individuals who endanger public safety. The victim remains hospitalized in critical condition.
