Update In Deadly Colorado Crash
The man accused of causing a tragic semi-truck accident in Colorado last week, which resulted in one fatality and one injury, has been identified as Ignacio Cruz-Mendoza.
Authorities have revealed that Cruz-Mendoza, a 47-year-old from Mexico, is an illegal immigrant with a long history of deportations from the United States.
Cruz-Mendoza faces charges of reckless driving and homicide following the June 11 crash. According to the Colorado State Patrol (CSP), he was transporting a load of steel pipe on Hwy 285 near Conifer when he lost control of the semi.
The truck rolled onto its side and veered off the road, spilling its cargo of pipe and angle iron onto five other vehicles. This incident resulted in the death of one person and serious injury to another, although Cruz-Mendoza was unharmed.
The crash caused significant disruption, blocking the highway in both directions for over 12 hours as authorities worked to clear the scene. Cruz-Mendoza was subsequently arrested and booked into the Jefferson County Jail. CSP officials noted that he does not have a local address.
ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) has confirmed that Cruz-Mendoza has a lengthy history of removals to Mexico, dating back more than two decades. ICE first encountered him in April 2002 following an arrest in Jefferson County, Oregon. An immigration judge ordered his removal to Mexico on May 29, 2002. Since then, Cruz-Mendoza has been deported or voluntarily returned to Mexico 16 times.
ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) in Denver has reviewed Cruz-Mendoza’s recent arrest and lodged a detainer with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office to be notified of his potential release. This means ICE intends to take him into custody if he is released from local jail.
Online court records indicate that Cruz-Mendoza remains in custody, with his next court appearance scheduled for July 30. This case not only highlights the tragic consequences of the accident but also raises significant questions about immigration enforcement and public safety. The upcoming court proceedings will undoubtedly be closely watched as more details emerge.