A 16-year-old migrant, who avoided jail time after causing the death of Colorado resident Caitlyn Weaver in a reckless drag racing crash, has been taken into U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. The teenager, who is undocumented, had previously struck a plea deal that resulted in probation and community service for the July 2024 tragedy. Now, ICE has moved to deport him and his family, also undocumented, to their home country of Colombia.
Caitlyn Weaver, a young woman returning home from work, was fatally struck during the crash, which authorities attributed to the reckless behavior of the teenage driver. Despite the severity of the crime, the teen received what many have criticized as a lenient sentence.
Jonathan Fahey, former acting ICE director, commented on the developments, saying, “The injustice can never truly be undone. This individual, who shouldn’t have been in the country, killed someone in a senseless act and was only given probation. It’s outrageous.”
Fahey emphasized the necessity of deportation, not just for the teen but for his family as well, stating, “If they’re here illegally, they need to be removed. Public safety has to come first.”
This case is part of a broader push by the Trump administration to strengthen immigration enforcement. ICE has reportedly increased its target for daily arrests from 1,000 to 3,000, citing public safety concerns. The administration has also sought to crack down on sanctuary cities and expand partnerships with local law enforcement through programs like 287(g), which deputizes local officers to assist in immigration enforcement.
Fahey noted that these measures are essential to achieving the administration’s deportation goals. “They’re enlisting local law enforcement as a force multiplier and allocating significant resources—$140 billion—for ICE and CBP. This focus on removing the most dangerous individuals is putting public safety first,” he said.
Critics argue that deportation alone may not be enough to prevent reentry, a concern acknowledged by Fahey. He pointed out that reentry after deportation is a felony under federal law, which could result in prison time for repeat offenders. “The administration is working to seal the border and ensure that anyone attempting to return illegally faces severe consequences,” he said.
The case follows other recent high-profile incidents involving undocumented immigrants. In Texas, two Venezuelan migrants were arrested in connection with the death of an Air Force cadet in a jet ski incident. These tragedies have fueled the administration’s push for stricter immigration policies and more aggressive enforcement measures.
The leniency of the teen’s sentence has sparked outrage among many Americans, who see it as emblematic of broader issues within the justice and immigration systems. The administration’s response underscores its commitment to addressing these concerns, with a focus on deterrence and accountability.
As the Trump administration works to achieve its deportation targets and bolster public safety, the case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of illegal immigration and the complexities of balancing enforcement with justice.