An illegal alien from Guatemala, Domingo Juan Juan, has been deported under the Laken Riley Act following a deadly crash in Indiana last year. Despite causing the tragic death of 27-year-old Brad Castner, Juan Juan was not charged with homicide or murder due to the fact that he was sober and not speeding at the time of the accident.
On March 26, 2024, Juan Juan, driving without a valid license, lost control of his vehicle and crossed the center line, resulting in a head-on collision that killed Castner.
Juan Juan, who has a history of two previous misdemeanor charges for driving without a license and has already been deported in the past, faced limited legal consequences. The only charge he could be prosecuted for was another Class C misdemeanor for driving without a license, a charge that carries a maximum sentence of just 60 days.
This tragedy highlights the gaps in the justice system when it comes to unlicensed and illegal drivers who commit deadly accidents. While prosecutors had no grounds for serious charges, Juan Juan was apprehended by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on February 12.
Thanks to the Laken Riley Act, he has now been deported, preventing him from remaining in the United States and potentially endangering more lives. This case serves as a reminder of the need for stronger immigration enforcement to protect American citizens.
President Donald Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law last month, making it the first piece of legislation enacted during his second administration.
Named in honor of Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student murdered while jogging at the University of Georgia, the law addresses failures in immigration enforcement. Riley’s killer, Jose Ibarra, an illegal immigrant with prior arrests, had not been detained by ICE. He was later convicted and sentenced to life in prison for her murder.
The measure passed with bipartisan support, receiving votes from all House Republicans and 48 Democrats, as well as all Senate Republicans and 12 Senate Democrats.
While supporters say the law enhances public safety and strengthens immigration enforcement, critics argue it expands mandatory detention for minor offenses, such as shoplifting.
