In a shocking turn of events, 18-year-old illegal immigrant Elmer Rueda-Linares has been charged in connection to a fatal car crash that claimed the life of Kurt Englehart, a senior state advisor to Democratic Nevada Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of April 6 in Reno, has reignited the debate on immigration policies as the suspect had illegally entered the United States just a month prior.
The arrest of Rueda-Linares follows a tragic collision at 4:30 a.m. that led to the death of 38-year-old Englehart. Police initially charged Rueda-Linares with felony hit-and-run, as reported by the Reno Gazette Journal, after he failed to stop at the scene of the accident. Upon further investigation, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) discovered that Rueda-Linares had entered the country illegally on March 12, 2021, near the Rio Grande City, Texas, Port of Entry. He was subsequently released on his recognizance on June 22, 2021.
As the case gains national attention, Immigration and Customs Enforcement placed an immigration detainer on Rueda-Linares on April 8. He is currently being held at the Washoe County Jail with a $100,000 bail and is due to appear in court later this week. In response to the tragic loss of Englehart, Sen. Masto stated that he was a “beloved figure” and she has confidence in local authorities to serve justice.
The incident has sparked outcry among Republican lawmakers, who are urging President Joe Biden and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to take a stronger stance on border control. Recently, the House voted to impeach Mayorkas over his handling of the border crisis; however, the Democrat-controlled Senate dismissed the charges, with Sen. Masto calling the impeachment attempt a “waste of time.”
As the trial of Rueda-Linares approaches, the nation remains divided on immigration policies and border control, particularly as fatal crashes involving illegal aliens continue to make headlines. Despite narrowly surviving a challenge from Republican Adam Laxalt in 2022, Sen. Masto maintains that the focus should be on real policy changes instead of “playing games” with frivolous impeachment attempts.
In conclusion, the tragic death of Kurt Englehart and the subsequent arrest of Elmer Rueda-Linares have cast a spotlight on the ongoing debate over immigration policies and border control. As authorities seek justice for Englehart, it is evident that this case will serve as a catalyst for further discussions and potential policy changes in the United States.
