A Mexican national living illegally in the United States killed an innocent Louisiana man while driving drunk without a license, sparking immediate federal intervention and highlighting the deadly consequences of failed border enforcement.
Story Snapshot
- Roberto Romero-Hernandez fatally struck 59-year-old Rickey Maddox who was mowing his lawn beside Louisiana Highway 1
- The illegal immigrant was driving intoxicated without a license and with expired plates when the crash occurred
- ICE immediately issued a federal detainer to prevent his release after local criminal proceedings
- DHS officials called the death a “senseless tragedy” that could have been prevented through proper immigration enforcement
Fatal Crash Claims Innocent Life
Roberto Romero-Hernandez, a 34-year-old Mexican national residing illegally in the United States, veered his Chevrolet Silverado off Louisiana Highway 1 around 9 p.m. on August 3, 2025, fatally striking Rickey Maddox. The 59-year-old victim was simply mowing his lawn on the shoulder when his life was cut short by this preventable tragedy. Maddox was rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries but later succumbed to his wounds, leaving behind a devastated family and community.
Multiple Violations Compound the Tragedy
The circumstances surrounding this deadly crash reveal a pattern of lawlessness that should outrage every law-abiding American. Romero-Hernandez was operating his vehicle while intoxicated, driving without a valid license, and using expired license plates. These multiple violations demonstrate a complete disregard for American laws and public safety. Louisiana State Police arrested him immediately and booked him into the Avoyelles Parish Detention Center on charges including vehicular homicide, driving while intoxicated, careless operation, and driving without a license.
Federal Agencies Take Swift Action
Immigration and Customs Enforcement wasted no time lodging a federal detainer against Romero-Hernandez, ensuring he cannot be released after local criminal proceedings conclude. This decisive action prevents another potential catch-and-release scenario that has plagued American communities for years. The detainer guarantees federal custody will follow state prosecution, addressing concerns that local jurisdictions might otherwise allow dangerous illegal immigrants back onto our streets. This represents the kind of enforcement Americans have demanded for decades.
DHS Officials Condemn Preventable Death
Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin delivered a scathing assessment of this tragedy, stating that “this criminal illegal alien’s reckless decision to drink and drive killed an innocent man.” Her statement emphasized the core issue that resonates with frustrated Americans: “The senseless tragedy should have never happened because Romero-Hernandez should have never been in our country.” This blunt assessment reflects the Trump administration’s commitment to calling out the real costs of inadequate border security and immigration enforcement.
Illegal migrant wanted by ICE after allegedly killing Louisiana man mowing his lawn in drunken crash
Story by Anna Younghttps://t.co/VuqdW2A6Iy pic.twitter.com/UpAD5Xf0jp— Steven the Optimist (@SOWEN1966) August 8, 2025
The Avoyelles Parish incident follows other recent fatal crashes involving illegal immigrants in New Jersey and Wisconsin, according to DHS officials. This pattern demonstrates that Maddox’s death was not an isolated incident but part of a broader public safety crisis created by years of failed immigration policies. The immediate federal response signals a dramatic shift from previous administrations that too often prioritized the rights of illegal immigrants over the safety of American citizens.
Sources:
Louisiana Illegal Alien Accused of Killing 59-Year-Old ‘Jack of All Trades’ in Drunk Driving Crash
DHS scoops up criminal illegal immigrant suspected of killing man on lawnmower: ‘Senseless tragedy’
