Maryland Issued License to Illegal Alien Arrested for Killing Pedestrian With Construction Vehicle
A Frederick, Maryland, man living in the United States illegally has been arrested and charged with vehicular homicide after striking and killing a pedestrian with a construction vehicle. The suspect, identified as 39-year-old Jose Delio Reyes Lopez, possessed a valid Maryland driver’s license at the time of the fatal crash, reigniting the debate over state policies that grant driving privileges to undocumented immigrants.
The Incident
The fatal collision occurred in Littlestown, Pennsylvania, where authorities say Reyes Lopez was operating a construction pickup truck. According to police reports and surveillance footage, the vehicle struck a 44-year-old woman while she was navigating a crosswalk. The impact resulted in severe injuries, and the victim was pronounced dead shortly after the incident.
Reyes Lopez was taken into custody by local law enforcement. Following his arrest, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged a detainer against him, confirming that he is a foreign national present in the country without legal status. Despite his immigration status, investigators confirmed that Reyes Lopez held a valid Class C non-commercial driver’s license issued by the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) in 2022.
Controversy Over State Licensing Laws
The revelation that the suspect was legally licensed to drive despite being in the country illegally has drawn sharp criticism from opponents of Maryland’s immigration policies.
“This tragedy underscores the dangers of blurring the lines between legal and illegal immigration status,” said a spokesperson for a local citizens’ advocacy group. “By issuing government licenses to those who have violated federal immigration laws, the state is validating their presence and enabling them to operate heavy vehicles on our roads, with devastating consequences.”
Critics argue that the policy undermines the rule of law and compromises public safety by making it easier for undocumented individuals to move freely and work in industries like construction, where they may operate dangerous machinery.
Legislative Background
Maryland is one of nearly 20 states that allow undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses. The policy was established under the Maryland Highway Safety Act of 2013 (SB 715). The law permits the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) to issue licenses to applicants who cannot prove lawful status, provided they have filed Maryland income tax returns for the preceding two years and can pass the standard vision, written, and road skills tests.
Proponents of the 2013 legislation argue that the law improves safety for everyone on the road. By bringing undocumented drivers out of the shadows, the state ensures they are trained, tested, and eligible for auto insurance. Supporters contend that licensure does not cause accidents, but rather ensures that all drivers—regardless of status—have demonstrated a baseline level of competency behind the wheel. They note that the license held by Reyes Lopez was evidence that he had met the state’s testing requirements, separating the issue of driving skill from immigration status.
Legal Proceedings
Reyes Lopez is currently being held without bail due to the ICE detainer and the severity of the charges, which include recklessly endangering another person and vehicular homicide. The case has sparked friction between Pennsylvania authorities and Maryland officials regarding the cross-border validity and implications of such licenses.
As the investigation continues, the victim’s family is left mourning a sudden loss, while lawmakers face renewed pressure to re-evaluate the balance between roadway safety measures and immigration enforcement.
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