OXON HILL, MD – Federal immigration officers have arrested a Honduran national accused of causing a violent head-on collision that left a Maryland woman with life-threatening injuries before fleeing the scene.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said agents with its Baltimore field office took Kevin Alexis Mendez-Ortiz into custody on Nov. 25 during a targeted enforcement operation in Oxon Hill.
Officials said Mendez entered the United States illegally in 2022 and was released under federal border processing procedures.
According to ICE, Mendez was driving eastbound in Prince George’s County on Nov. 9 when he crossed into oncoming traffic and struck another vehicle head-on, injuring a U.S. citizen passenger who suffered extensive internal and orthopedic trauma.
Investigators said Mendez fled the scene following the crash and was later cited by the Prince George’s County Police Department for multiple violations, including driving without a license, leaving the scene of an accident involving injury, and unsafe lane changes.
Woman suffered severe and lasting injuries
The victim, who has requested anonymity, was hospitalized with a concussion, broken bones, internal injuries, and a collapsed lung. ICE officials said she faces a long recovery.
Prince George’s County police cited Mendez for more than ten traffic-related offenses linked to the crash and subsequent hit-and-run. Authorities said he had no valid driver’s license or insurance.
Federal authorities cite public safety concerns
ICE Baltimore Acting Field Office Director Jeremy Bacon said the case underscores the agency’s focus on removing individuals who pose a danger to the public. “A U.S. citizen suffered devastating injuries because of the reckless behavior of an illegal alien who had no lawful right to be in our country,” Bacon said in a statement.
Previous border encounter in 2022
U.S. Border Patrol records show Mendez was arrested near Hidalgo, Texas, on Sept. 30, 2022, after entering the country illegally. He was released on his own recognizance after being issued a notice to appear in immigration court.
Mendez now remains in federal custody pending immigration proceedings following his arrest in connection with the Maryland hit-and-run crash.
ICE agents arrested a Honduran national accused of a Maryland hit-and-run crash that critically injured a woman, citing prior illegal entry and public safety risks.