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NJ Crash Suspect Remains Held Under ICE Detainer as Blood Tests Awaited

Federal officials blame state sanctuary rules after the Lakewood collision, escalating the policy dispute.

Overview

  • Luna-Perez is detained at the Ocean County Jail under an ICE hold and charged with two counts of vehicular homicide and assault.
  • Prosecutors await blood toxicology results that could trigger additional DUI charges if they confirm impairment.
  • The head-on crash on July 26 claimed the lives of Maria Pleitez and her 11-year-old daughter Dayanara Cortes, with a second child hospitalized in serious but stable condition.
  • ICE’s detainer request has clashed with New Jersey’s sanctuary law, which prohibits honoring detainers without a warrant.
  • DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin and Governor Murphy’s office have publicly traded blame over enforcement and sanctuary policy failures.