An illegal alien accused of killing Washington State Trooper Christopher Gadd failed to convince a judge to throw out the case. The defense argued that prosecutors improperly worked with federal immigration officials, allegedly violating Washington’s sanctuary state law.
Raul Benitez Santana, a 34-year-old illegal alien from Mexico, is facing vehicular homicide charges after allegedly crashing into Trooper Gadd while high and drunk. The incident occurred in Snohomish County in March 2024. Gadd, 27, was parked on the shoulder of the interstate when Santana’s vehicle struck him. Gadd is survived by his wife, Cammryn, and their young daughter.
Santana’s legal team filed a motion to dismiss the case, claiming prosecutors colluded with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) by revealing his immigration status. Washington law prohibits state law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities under its sanctuary policies.
Judge Karen D. Moore of the Snohomish County Superior Court rejected the motion on Monday. She stated there was no evidence showing that prosecutors acted with intent to facilitate ICE involvement. “I am denying the defense motion to dismiss,” Moore announced.
As a result, jury selection for the trial is scheduled to begin Tuesday.
ICE confirmed that Santana has resided illegally in Washington for at least ten years. His criminal history includes a 2013 arrest for driving without a license and a subsequent 90-day sentence for marijuana possession. He also failed to appear in court that same year, receiving another 90-day sentence. In May 2019, Santana was charged with domestic violence.
Despite these offenses, Santana was never handed over to federal immigration authorities. Washington’s sanctuary laws effectively shielded him from deportation during multiple encounters with law enforcement.
The case has fueled renewed scrutiny of sanctuary policies, particularly in states like Washington, where illegal aliens with criminal records remain shielded from federal immigration enforcement.
