Wisconsin teens would ‘still be alive' if not for sanctuary policies protecting alleged drunk-driving illegal immigrant
An illegal alien from Honduras faces deportation after allegedly driving while intoxicated and crashing, killing two teenagers in Dane County, Wisconsin.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has lodged a detainer against 30-year-old Noelia Saray Martinez-Avila, who was charged in the deaths of 18-year-old Hallie Helgeson and 19-year-old Brady Heiling.
'Hallie Helgeson and Brady Heiling had their whole lives ahead of them—and they would still be alive today if it weren't for Noelia Saray Martinez-Avila—a criminal illegal alien from Honduras,' Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said. 'Martinez-Avila recklessly drove the wrong way on a highway while intoxicated and killed these two teens.
'ICE has lodged an arrest detainer to remove this public safety threat from the U.S.,' she continued. 'Unfortunately, this sanctuary jurisdiction has a history of not honoring ICE arrest detainers often leading to the release of murderers and other heinous criminals. Under Secretary Noem, these precious victims will not be forgotten, and we will fight for justice.'
Advertisement
5 The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has lodged a detainer against 30-year-old Noelia Saray Martinez-Avila.
5 Noelia Saray Martinez-Avila, was charged in the deaths of 18-year-old Hallie Helgeson and 19-year-old Brady Heiling.
5 'Martinez-Avila recklessly drove the wrong way on a highway while intoxicated and killed these two teens.'
Martinez-Avila faces charges of homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle, homicide by the use of a vehicle, operating a vehicle while intoxicated and causing injury, knowingly operating a vehicle with a revoked license while causing death, knowingly operating a vehicle with a revoked license while causing bodily harm, failing to install an ignition interlock device and violating a court order, among other charges.
Advertisement
The West Central Tribune reported that on July 20, Martinez-Avila was allegedly driving a Chevrolet Suburban the wrong way on I-90 when she collided with a Volkswagen Tiguan with Helgeson and Heiling inside.
Helgeson, of Montevideo, died a short time after the crash, while Heiling was airlifted to an area hospital and treated for his injuries.
5 The West Central Tribune reported that on July 20, Martinez-Avila was allegedly driving a Chevrolet Suburban the wrong way on I-90 when she collided with a Volkswagen Tiguan with Helgeson and Heiling inside.
Advertisement
5 Helgeson, of Montevideo, died a short time after the crash, while Heiling was airlifted to an area hospital and treated for his injuries.
Heiling ultimately died of his injuries.
The publication also reported that Martinez-Avila was convicted of drunk driving in 2020 and was required to have an interlock device installed in her vehicle, preventing the vehicle from starting if she had been drinking.
The Wisconsin State Journal of Madison reported that the interlock device was not installed at the time of the crash last week.
Every morning, the NY POSTcast offers a deep dive into the headlines with the Post's signature mix of politics, business, pop culture, true crime and everything in between. Subscribe here!
Court records show that bond was set in the amount of $250,000 per case, and should Martinez-Avila post bond, she can only be released once pretrial services can outfit her with any necessary equipment.
Martinez-Avila is also not permitted to consume or possess alcohol, operate a vehicle, or have contact with family members of the victims, among other things if released.
DHS said ICE lodged a detainer for Martinez-Avila's arrest and removal from the U.S., noting that Dane County has historically not honored ICE detainers because of sanctuary jurisdiction policies.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Epoch Times
2 minutes ago
- Epoch Times
New US–Chile Pact Targets Criminal Migration With Biometric Technology
The United States and Chile signed a new Biometric Identification Transnational Migration Alert Program (BITMAP) letter of intent on July 30, which U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem said is a continuation of crucial information-sharing between the two nations. 'Data sharing benefits everyone – except bad actors who wish to do us and our people harm,' Noem said in a statement. 'Today, we kick-started a Biometric Identification Transnational Migration Alert Program (BITMAP) to help both nations better track criminals, terrorists, other dangerous individuals who try to cross our borders and do us harm.'
New York Times
31 minutes ago
- New York Times
The Changing Politics of Masks
Lately it seems almost impossible to look at a news feed or catch up on current events and not be greeted by the picture of a man in a mask. Or rather a neck gaiter, buff or scarf made to cover the mouth and nose, along with a baseball cap or helmet to hide the crown of the head, and shades to obscure the eyes. Such are the images of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents — on the streets, in courts, at factories — rounding up individuals the agency claims are undocumented immigrants (as well as, sometimes, those they say are helping them). Such are the images of ICE agents illustrating stories about new legislation introduced in Congress and in states across the country, including New York, California, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, to prohibit the agents from hiding their faces while doing their jobs. And such are the images of protesters speaking out against ICE actions — or for Palestine — and obscuring their identities while doing so. Sometimes the coverings are black, sometimes they are star-spangled and sometimes they are hunter's camo, but at all times it's the mask that stands out. The mask that is at the center of the story. The mask that has become the catalyst for a debate about whether such face coverings are a tool of intimidation or protection, of good or evil. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Fox News
an hour ago
- Fox News
This is how Trump can break defiant sanctuary cities
America's immigration crisis is something even more dangerous—the deliberate erosion of the rule of law. Over 560 jurisdictions now operate as sanctuary cities, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Sanctuary city policies don't just ignore federal authority—they embolden criminals, handcuff law enforcement, and leave innocent Americans to pay the price. These cities believe they're untouchable, but there is a solution hiding in plain sight. President Trump already showed the nation how to deal with institutions that defy federal law. When Columbia University refused to address antisemitism, the Trump administration froze its federal funding and won. That same strategy can dismantle sanctuary policies city by city. We need a Trump-style course correction—one that applies financial pressure and legal accountability to restore the rule of law. And make no mistake, sanctuary cities don't just resist immigration enforcement, they force taxpayers to subsidize, feed, and house an invasion force that is causing riots and flooding our streets with crime. Socialism flows from the top down—through blue cities, blue states, and leftist institutions. These cities normalize defiance, celebrate lawlessness, and place politics above public safety. I speak not only as an attorney but as a legal immigrant who deeply believes in the American Dream and in the laws that protect it. Between June 2023 and July 2024, the New York City Department of Correction only enforced 4% of ICE detention requests. This means they allowed thousands of violent criminals to walk free after being flagged for criminal deportation. Two of them later murdered an off-duty Customs and Border Protection officer. California's Democrats promote and protect the same lawlessness. Since 2022, California declined over 13,000 ICE detainer requests including 72 involving homicide charges. When violent protests erupted in Los Angeles in 2025, requiring the National Guard's intervention, it became painfully clear this was coordinated, intentional chaos. Local leaders' refusal to enforce immigration laws tells Americans their safety is not a priority. They mask that message in moral rhetoric—pretending it's about protecting the vulnerable. But who is protecting the law-abiding citizens, victims, and business owners? We must start asking who is protected in these so-called sanctuary cities? America is a nation of laws, not loopholes. However, the growing sanctuary city movement to elevate ideology over enforcement threatens that foundation. If these cities ignore immigration laws today, what stops them from ignoring federal civil rights protections, environmental rules, or national security directives tomorrow? Nothing. Fortunately, President Trump already demonstrated a playbook that works. In 2025, his administration held Columbia University accountable after it accepted millions in taxpayer dollars but failed to address antisemitism, violating Title VI. When Columbia refused to act, the administration froze $400 million in federal funding. The school quickly agreed to pay $221 million, reform its policies and settle. That's how you deal with elite institutions that believe they're above the law. We should apply that same strategy to sanctuary cities. First, defund sanctuary cities. In January 2017, President Trump signed an executive order allowing the federal government to withhold DOJ and DHS grants from sanctuary jurisdictions. In 2018, California lost $200 million in federal funds and quickly began cooperating. President Trump should double down on this strategy: withhold DOJ funding, cut FEMA grants, pull HUD money, slash Community Development Block Grants—anything sanctuary cities rely on. Even if courts block defunding broadly, federal agencies can still condition grants on compliance and reallocate funds to law-abiding cities. Next, sue sanctuary cities under the Supremacy Clause. Trump's DOJ sued California in 2018 over Senate Bill 54, forcing the state to scale back its sanctuary protections. In July 2025, the administration filed a new Supremacy Clause suit against New York City. Similar lawsuits are underway in Los Angeles, Chicago, and cities across New Jersey and Illinois. These legal actions should go further—seeking injunctions and even criminal referrals for officials who knowingly obstruct federal enforcement. We deserve leaders who put citizens first, protect the innocent and hold the guilty accountable. And we deserve a country that honors its laws because without them, there is no America. America First cities are rising. Trump should teach sanctuary cities a lesson by defunding and suing them into compliance. It's the fastest way to protect our citizens and teach a lasting lesson.
