By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributor
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – An Illinois state lawmaker blames “reckless immigration policies” after a crash killed Coles County Board Member Mike Clayton and his wife, Gail. The driver is reportedly in the U.S. illegally.

Edwin Pacheco-Meza is being charged with driving under the influence and reckless homicide. State Rep. Adam Niemerg, whose district includes Coles County, called the crash a “terrible tragedy that should have and could have been avoided.”

“This really lands at the feet of Gov. J.B. Pritzker with the sanctuary state and sanctuary city policies,” Niemerg said. “Illegal immigration has become a major problem under both the Biden and Pritzker administrations. Criminal illegals are causing terrible accidents like this.”

Niemerg said he first learned of the accident after constituents reached out with questions and information regarding Pacheco-Meza’s immigration status. He noted that the crash occurred just over the Clark County line, but hit close to home because Mike Clayton lived and served within his district.

“These two great people could still be alive,” Niemerg said.

The Illinois State Police would not disclose Pacheco-Meza’s immigration status and referred questions to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has not immediately responded to The Center Square’s inquiry regarding Pacheco-Meza’s immigration status.

Preliminary reports show Pacheco-Meza’s Chevrolet Express van crossed the center line, striking a Ford F150 head-on. Juan Morales Martinez, 18, a passenger in the van, was uninjured, while Pacheco-Meza sustained minor injuries.

On social media Niemerg said the driver was in the U.S. illegally.

“The driver who hit Coles County Board member Mike Clayton and his wife Gail was in the U.S. ILLEGALLY,” Niemerg said. “More lives lost because of failed leadership.”

Clark County jail officials, when asked if federal immigration authorities had picked up Pacheco-Meza, said the suspect was in their custody and the investigation is being handled by Illinois State Police.

Niemerg said this is a stark example of what happens when “policies put politics ahead of public safety.”

“If [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] had the ability to work with the governor and the legislature, these two individuals could have been apprehended, and lives could have been spared,” said Niemerg.

Niemerg said Coles County constituents are “very, very upset” and called for renewed focus on immigration enforcement.

“Our hearts are with Mike and Gail Clayton’s family during this difficult time,” Niemerg said. “Stories like this show why it is critical to ensure that those who break our laws are held accountable and that law enforcement can do their jobs without unnecessary restrictions.”