On-duty immigration agent involved in triple-fatal auto accident

Three women were killed and two children injured when an on-duty Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent reportedly ran a stop sign at Heber and Bowker Roads four miles east of Heber Tuesday evening, according to a Highway Patrol accident report.

The highway Patrol said the accident occurred at 7:10 p.m. when the northbound ICE agent “failed to stop for the posted stop sign” at Bowker and ran into the Dodge mini-van in which the women and children were riding.

Imperial County Coroner Sgt. Charles Lucas identified the three women killed as Imperial resident, Sandra Garcia, 41, who was driving the mini-van, Maria Consuelo Nieto, 49, of El Centro, and 47-year-old Patricia Martinez Reyes of Mexicali.

The two children, ages 11 and one, were properly belted into their seats, according to the CHP report, and were taken to El Centro Regional Medical Center.

The 36-year-old ICE agent, whose name has not yet been released, is being treated at Pioneers Memorial Hospital in Brawley. A statement released Wednesday morning by the ICE said:

“U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) extends its heartfelt condolences to those affected by this tragic accident. Our thoughts go out to the families and loved ones of all those involved. ICE is working directly with the law enforcement agencies responsible for investigating the accident. The on-duty ICE agent who was involved is being treated at a local hospital and is expected to recover from his injuries.”

If you have been involved in a car accident, truck accident, or motorcycle accident, contact the Shaked Law Firm.