An undocumented migrant with a history of DUI charges, who was previously released back into the community, is accused of causing a fatal crash in Lakewood, New Jersey that resulted in the death of a mother and her 11-year-old daughter.
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office announced that Raul Luna-Perez, a 43-year-old from Mexico, has been arrested and charged with two counts of vehicular homicide and assault by auto in connection with the July 26 motor vehicle accident. In addition, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has lodged a detainer against him.
According to ICE, Luna-Perez had prior encounters with law enforcement, including two DUI arrests in March and April of this year, as well as an arrest for domestic violence in June 2023.
In the recent incident involving Luna-Perez, officers responded to a crash in Lakewood Township where Luna-Perez, driving a Dodge Durango with two passengers, collided head-on with a Nissan Sentra. The driver of the Nissan was pronounced dead at the scene, while the woman’s 11-year-old daughter succumbed to her injuries at a local medical center. Another 11-year-old girl in the back seat of the Sentra was listed in serious but stable condition.
ICE has initiated removal proceedings against Luna-Perez and lodged a detainer, as he remains in custody following the crash.
Luna-Perez illegally entered the U.S., according to the Department of Homeland Security, and ICE has criticized New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy’s sanctuary policies for allowing Luna-Perez to be released into the community.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin condemned the sanctuary policies, stating that they have led to the release of dangerous criminals into American communities, resulting in tragic incidents like the one involving Luna-Perez.
