ICE Officers Chase Driver Through Streets Of Savannah, And A Teacher Ended Up Dead

A special education teacher was killed in a car crash in Savannah, Georgia, on Monday morning that involved Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The Department of Homeland Security said Linda Davis, 52, died after Oscar Vasquez-Lopez, a 38-year-old man from Guatemala whom ICE was trying to arrest, “fled the scene, making a reckless U-turn and running a red light, colliding into a civilian vehicle.”

Although the collision occurred near Herman W. Hesse K-8 School, students were not present as Monday was a federal holiday, the school said.

The Chatham County Police Department said Vasquez-Lopez was in custody and had been charged with reckless driving, driving without a valid license, failure to obey a traffic control device and homicide by vehicle-1st degree.

“However, the Chatham County Police Department was not a part of the DHS/ICE operation, attempted traffic stop, or pursuit. The Chatham County Police Department was also not aware of the DHS/ICE operation or pursuit until after the crash,” the department said.

Davis’ death has called attention to the dangers of vehicular pursuits.

“We have a no-chase policy [in Chatham County], and the no-chase policy is to help protect our citizens more than it is anything else,” Chester Ellis, chairman of the Chatham County Board of Commissioners, told WTOC-TV.

Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley told the local news outlet that Davis’ death was “more than likely preventable.”

Conversely, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin rejected any ICE culpability in Davis’ death.

“This vehicular homicide is an absolute tragedy and deadly consequence of politicians and the media constantly demonizing ICE officers and encouraging those here illegally to resist arrest — a felony,” McLaughlin said. “These dangerous tactics are putting people’s lives at risk. Fleeing from and resisting federal law enforcement is not only a crime but extraordinarily dangerous and puts oneself, our officers, and innocent civilians at risk. Now, an innocent bystander has lost their life.”

Davis had worked at Herman W. Hesse K-8 School since the beginning of the school year. Principal Alonna McMullen described her as an “exceptional educator.”

“She dedicated her career to ensuring that every child felt supported, valued, and capable of success,” McMullen said in a statement. “Her kindness, patience, and enthusiasm created a nurturing environment for her students and inspired those around her.”

In a Facebook post, McMullen informed parents of Davis’ death and said counseling would be offered.

“The most important thing we can do is to be supportive and encourage an open expression of feelings,” McMullen said in the post.

Aisha Buchanan, a former co-worker, said Davis always made people feel like they mattered.

“Whether they’re a custodian or a teacher, a principal or even a student, you always matter. And that was her message to everybody,” Buchanan said, per WTOC.