Charlotte teen killed by hit-and-run driver who was later arrested by ice

CHARLOTTE, NC – Federal immigration officers have arrested a Guatemalan national accused of killing a 15-year-old girl in a fatal hit-and-run crash after local authorities released him on bond under sanctuary policies, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

ICE officials said Julio Cesar Xocop-Vicente, who was unlawfully present in the United States, was taken into custody during a targeted enforcement operation following the death of Amber Paris, an American teenager struck and killed in Charlotte. Authorities said Xocop-Vicente ran a stop sign while speeding, hit the girl, and then fled the scene on foot, leaving her critically injured.

Local police initially arrested Xocop-Vicente and charged him in connection with the crash, but he was later released on bond by Mecklenburg County officials before ICE could place a detainer request. The agency said it located and arrested him in the community this week.

ICE arrested Julio Cesar Xocop-Vicente in Charlotte after local release
The Guatemalan national allegedly killed 15-year-old Amber Paris in a hit-and-run
ICE blamed the city’s sanctuary policy for allowing his release before federal custody

ICE officials criticized Charlotte’s sanctuary policies, arguing they obstruct cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. “This tragedy could have been prevented had the suspect been turned over to ICE when first taken into custody,” an agency spokesperson said.

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles has faced renewed scrutiny from critics who say the city’s stance on non-cooperation with federal immigration enforcement undermines public safety. ICE said Xocop-Vicente remains in federal custody pending removal proceedings.

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