An undocumented immigrant residing in Indiana is facing deportation as a result of the recently enacted Laken Riley Act.
The law mandates the deportation of immigrants who are charged with specific types of crimes.
Republican Congresswoman Erin Houchin described him as a current issue for Guatemala.
In March 2024, Domingo Juan Juan tragically veered across the center line of U.S. 50 near Seymour, Indiana. This devastating accident resulted in a fatal head-on collision, claiming the life of 27-year-old Brad Castner.
“Brad was truly incredible. He embodied the qualities of an exceptional brother and an outstanding uncle. His kindness and sweetness touched the hearts of everyone who knew him,” expressed Kendra Castner, filled with deep admiration for her beloved brother.
According to court records, Juan Juan has been charged twice in the past for driving without ever obtaining a license.
According to Jackson County Prosecutor Jeff Chalfant, it was determined that Juan Juan was not speeding or under the influence at the time of the crash.
He stated that under Indiana law, the only charge that he could face is operating a vehicle without ever receiving a license.
In Indiana, it is considered a Class C misdemeanor to drive a car without obtaining a license.
The Laken Riley Act, signed by President Donald Trump, aims to address the issue of undocumented immigrants who are involved in more serious crimes.
Chalfant stated that the crimes that are included in this category are burglary, theft, assaulting law enforcement officers, and crimes that result in serious bodily injury or death.
Juan Juan is set to be deported back to Guatemala under the Laken Riley Act as a result of the crash that claimed the life of Castner.
“We can’t control what happens to him there. We can only hope what happens to him there, but at least he’s not here. We know what he would be doing here. He’d be out in 30 days back driving again and somebody else could get hurt that way and we don’t want that to happen, so I think that’s most important,” Chalfant said.