myrtlebeachonline.com
Four days after an N.C. man was killed in a car crash involving an illegal immigrant, U.S. Rep. Sue Myrick has asked federal immigration officials to explain why the state has just one deportation officer.
Myrick, R-N.C., wrote to Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and other officials about the death of Scott Gardner of Mount Holly, who was killed Saturday when his car was hit by a truck driven by an illegal immigrant later charged with driving while impaired.
The wreck marks the fourth time in three years that Ramiro Gallegos, 25, of Supply in Brunswick County, has faced DWI charges.
"It should not take a horrible incident like this to draw attention to this persistent problem plaguing the enforcement of our immigration laws," Myrick wrote.
Gallegos remained in Brunswick County jail Wednesday charged with second-degree murder as well as DWI. Immigration officials said they put a detainer on him, meaning they will deport him to Mexico if he's convicted.
In her letter, Myrick called Gardner's death "entirely preventable." Having one immigration officer for North Carolina is "inexcusable," she said.
Posted by Suzanne at July 22, 2005