A 64-year-old Colorado grandfather named Scott Miller fell victim to a fatal accident allegedly caused by an illegal immigrant with a history of drug- and alcohol-related arrests and numerous deportations. The key takeaway from this harrowing incident is that another American life has been lost at the hands of an individual who should not have been in the United States in the first place.
KMGH-TV in Denver reported that 47-year-old Ignacio Cruz-Mendoza lost control of his semi-truck on US 285 on June 11, leading to a tragic accident that resulted in Miller’s death. Cruz-Mendoza now faces charges of vehicular assault and vehicular homicide.
An ICE spokesperson confirmed that Cruz-Mendoza has a long history with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, dating back to at least April 2002. He has been deported to Mexico at least 16 times, with the most recent deportation occurring on May 29, just two weeks before the fatal crash.
At a hearing held Tuesday morning, prosecutors from Jefferson County, Colorado, strongly urged the judge not to lower
Cruz-Mendoza’s $50,000 bail, citing his repeated deportations as evidence of his status as a flight risk, KCNC-TV reported. The First Judicial District Attorney underscored Cruz-Mendoza’s potential for fleeing, which they deemed a significant concern.
Further reinforcing this stance, the District Attorney highlighted Cruz-Mendoza’s previous legal troubles, including a DUI case in 2018 and a drug-related case dating back to 2002 in Oregon. The Colorado State Patrol identified excessive speed as a contributing factor in the crash that killed Miller. Cruz-Mendoza was driving a truck owned by Monique Trucking when he veered off the road, causing the vehicle to roll onto its side. This incident sent 47,000 pounds of steel pipes tumbling onto the highway, hitting five other vehicles in the process. Additionally, his truck’s brakes failed during the incident, and — to no one’s surprise — Cruz-Mendoza lacked a commercial vehicle license, as reported by KCNC.
Miller’s daughter, Michelle, fondly remembered her father, describing him as young at heart and a wonderful grandfather. “He was only 64. I just want everyone to know that my dad was fun. He was an awesome dad and an awesome grandfather,” she said.
While this tragic incident differs slightly from other recent crimes involving illegal immigrants, such distinctions provide little comfort. Unlike cases where perpetrators intentionally inflict harm, Cruz-Mendoza’s actions led to unintended but equally devastating consequences.
Despite his lengthy history with ICE, which initially apprehended him over two decades ago, Cruz-Mendoza kept reentering the U.S. This persistent defiance underscores the challenges and perceived leniency associated with border security under various administrations, including the current one headed by President Joe Biden. The frequency of his deportations and reentries during Biden’s tenure remains unclear, but his ability to return repeatedly highlights systemic issues.
Moreover, this case spotlights Monique Trucking’s questionable practices. The company’s willingness to employ Cruz-Mendoza despite his lack of a commercial vehicle license and legal work status raises significant concerns. According to KCNC, the company had five safety violations, suggesting a possible inclination to hire desperate, low-cost workers regardless of the legal ramifications or safety risks involved.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the multifaceted issues surrounding illegal immigration. For many Americans, the persistence of such incidents reinforces the perception that illegal immigration continues partly due to employers seeking cheap labor and political motives within the Democratic Party.
NEW: Illegal alien involved in fatal Highway 285 crash in Colorado had been removed from US 16 times.
Ignacio Cruz-Mendoza from Mexico, deported 16 times from the United States, is accused of killing 64-year-old Scott Miller from Bailey, Colorado, in a vehicle crash.… pic.twitter.com/FmjNwR89wd
— I Meme Therefore I Am ???????? (@ImMeme0) June 18, 2024
An increasing number of non-white Americans, including Hispanic and young black voters, appear disillusioned with the current administration, shifting their support towards former President Donald Trump for the upcoming 2024 election. While a Trump victory wouldn’t eliminate all risks of accidents and daily threats, it promises to instill stricter immigration measures that could deter repeat offenders like Cruz-Mendoza from reentering the U.S. The idea is that a fortified border, possibly with an expanded wall, along with an increased presence of ICE agents, would make it far more difficult for previously deported individuals to return.
Scott Miller’s death, tragic and preventable, underscores a broader issue that often goes unnoticed until it culminates in loss. By addressing the systemic failures within immigration enforcement and employers’ disregard for legal and safety standards, the hope is to avert similar future tragedies. A shift in leadership, as some voters believe, might be the catalyst for change needed to protect American lives more effectively.