US News
New Jersey mayor demands sanctuary policy rollback after fatal crash
A Jackson Township crash that killed an infant has reignited debate over state limits on immigration cooperation.
The short version
- Authorities charged Maria Cobon-Guzman with manslaughter after she allegedly struck a mother, a five-year-old, and a nine-month-old infant with a vehicle in a Jackson parking lot, killing the infant.[Fox News]
- Ariadna Lazaro-Flores was also charged for allegedly permitting Cobon-Guzman to drive without a license, with DHS stating both women previously entered the U.S. unlawfully.[Fox News]
- Jackson Mayor Jennifer Kuhn called for rolling back New Jersey's Immigrant Trust Directive to let local police coordinate more freely with federal immigration authorities.[Fox News]
- The New Jersey Attorney General's Office defended the rules, maintaining that jails are already permitted to notify ICE for certain serious offenses or final removal orders.[Fox News]
Key facts
- Maria Cobon-Guzman was charged with manslaughter after an August 28 crash in Jackson Township that killed a nine-month-old infant and critically injured a mother and daughter.[Fox News]
- Ariadna Lazaro-Flores was charged with endangering the welfare of an incompetent person for allegedly permitting Cobon-Guzman to operate the vehicle without a license.[Fox News]
- DHS stated that Cobon-Guzman received a removal order on July 31, and Lazaro-Flores had been removed five times after entering the country in October 2023.[Fox News]
- Jackson Mayor Jennifer Kuhn urged an end to state policies restricting local police from contacting ICE during routine interactions.[Fox News]
- The state Attorney General's Office noted that New Jersey policy permits correctional facilities to notify ICE when releasing individuals charged with serious crimes or facing final deportation orders.[Fox News]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.