DHS criticizes media over fatal New Jersey crash involving undocumented immigrants

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has criticized media coverage regarding a fatal motor vehicle crash in Ocean County, New Jersey, that resulted in the death of a nine-month-old boy. DHS officials stated that the media failed to report that the primary suspect, 20-year-old Maria Cobon-Guzman, is an undocumented immigrant from Guatemala.

Cobon-Guzman has been charged with manslaughter, operating a vehicle without a valid license, and two counts of assault by auto. According to reports, the crash occurred in a grocery store parking lot while the victim and his family were walking. A second individual, 22-year-old Ariadna Lazaro-Flores from Mexico, was also arrested and charged with engaging in conduct creating a substantial risk of death or injury after allegedly allowing Cobon-Guzman to drive despite knowing she lacked a license.

Federal immigration authorities have issued detainers for both women. DHS has called on New Jersey officials to honor these detainers and allow Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to take custody of the suspects. The department also linked the incident to current federal immigration policies.