ICE has arrested Giovana Mercedes Moreno Ochompy, a former Illinois high school teacher and illegal immigrant, in relation to a triple murder linked to the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang. She was initially released by Chicago police due to sanctuary city policies, which did not notify ICE. Tom Homan, former acting ICE director, criticized these policies, stating they hinder federal law enforcement and compromise public safety.
An illegal immigrant from Guatemala, Maria Cobon-Guzman, faced manslaughter charges after allegedly hitting a mother and her two children in a New Jersey grocery store parking lot. Tragically, the incident resulted in the death of a 9-month-old boy. The mother and her 5-year-old daughter, along with the deceased child, were taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center. The mother and daughter are in stable condition, while the boy was pronounced dead.
Maria Cobon-Guzman, unlicensed at the time of the incident, was allowed to drive by Ariadna Lazaro-Flores. Both women entered the U.S. illegally during the Biden administration, and Lazaro-Flores reportedly entered five times in October 2023, being removed on each occasion. The Department of Homeland Security notes Cobon-Guzman was released into the nation’s interior without vetting.
The DHS spokesman emphasized the need for the Ocean County Jail to honor ICE’s detainers on both women to remove them from American communities.
The situation has sparked debate over New Jersey’s sanctuary policies. Governor Mikie Sherrill has not publicly commented on the incident, while New Jersey Republicans criticized state leadership for creating conditions allowing the tragedy. An ICE order for Cobon-Guzman’s removal was issued by an immigration judge in July 31.
The Trust Directive in New Jersey places limits on the assistance state law enforcement provides to the DHS. Republican voices insist the state should comply with ICE detainers to ensure community safety. They argue the governor should prioritize the safety of residents over sanctuary policies, urging cooperation with federal immigration authorities.