ICE Arrests Illegal Immigrant in Fatal Drunk Driving Crash
URGENT UPDATE: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested Noelia Saray Martinez-Avila, a 30-year-old Honduran national, accused of killing two high school sweethearts in a tragic drunk driving incident. This arrest comes after local authorities in Dane County, Wisconsin, released her with less than an hour’s notice to federal agents, according to a statement from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on August 13, 2023.
The deadly crash occurred on July 20, 2023, when Martinez-Avila allegedly drove her SUV the wrong way on a highway near Madison. She collided with another vehicle, resulting in the death of 18-year-old Hallie Helgeson at the scene, while 19-year-old Brady Heiling succumbed to his injuries five days later after extensive medical intervention.
DHS officials revealed that ICE had lodged a detainer with the Dane County jail on July 22, but the sheriff denied the request, expressing concerns that deportation would allow Martinez-Avila to evade justice. Just before her release, local police notified ICE, providing only a brief window to apprehend her.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin criticized the local authorities for their actions, stating,
“Despite this sanctuary jurisdiction giving ICE less than an hour notice to make the arrest, ICE arrested Martinez-Avila and ensured this public safety threat is not released on U.S. streets.”
Martinez-Avila, who has a prior conviction for drunk driving in November 2020, was required to have an alcohol-blocking device installed in her vehicle. However, this device was not present at the time of the crash. Multiple open beer cans were found in her Chevy Suburban, which had a strong odor of alcohol, and a breath test later revealed her blood alcohol content was more than twice the legal limit.
She initially claimed she was returning home to Portage but could not remember the street name when questioned. Initially denying alcohol consumption, she later admitted to drinking two beers prior to the incident.
The emotional toll on the victims’ families has been profound. Brady Heiling’s mother, Jen Heiling, expressed her heartbreak online, stating, “We are weak, weary, and heartbroken and need to rest.”
Martinez-Avila now faces serious charges, including two counts of felony vehicular homicide and impaired driving. The case has sparked intense discussions about local sanctuary policies and public safety concerns.
As this situation develops, many are calling for justice for the victims and their families, emphasizing the need for accountability in cases involving illegal immigrants and serious crimes. Stay tuned for more updates on this tragic story as authorities continue their investigation.
