EXCLU: ICE nabs illegal immigrant accused of killing high school sweethearts in drunk driving crash after sanctuary cops let her go
URGENT UPDATE: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested Noelia Saray Martinez-Avila, a 30-year-old Honduran national accused of killing two high school sweethearts in a drunk driving crash. This arrest follows a shocking decision by local police in Dane County, Wisconsin, who released her just over a month ago, prompting outrage from federal officials.
On July 20, 2023, Martinez-Avila drove her SUV the wrong way on a highway near Madison, crashing into another vehicle and tragically killing 18-year-old Hallie Helgeson at the scene. Her passenger, 19-year-old Brady Heiling, succumbed to his injuries five days later after extensive medical treatment. The heartbreaking loss of these young lives has left communities devastated and demanding justice.
Martinez-Avila was arrested by ICE agents outside the Dane County jail on August 13, 2023, after she posted her $250,000 bond. DHS officials reported that local law enforcement gave ICE less than an hour’s notice before her release, allowing them to apprehend her just in time.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin criticized the local police’s actions, stating, “Despite this sanctuary jurisdiction giving ICE less than an hour notice to make the arrest, ICE arrested Martinez-Avila and ensured this public safety threat is not released on U.S. streets.” Her comments underline the growing tension between federal immigration agencies and local law enforcement in sanctuary cities.
Earlier, Martinez-Avila had a troubling history of drunk driving. In November 2020, she was convicted of DUI and faced multiple traffic violations, including driving without a license and inattentive driving. A court had mandated that she install a device in her vehicle to prevent alcohol consumption while driving; however, it was not installed at the time of the fatal incident.
At the scene of the crash, police found multiple open beer cans in her Chevrolet Suburban, which had a strong odor of alcohol. Martinez-Avila failed sobriety tests, and a breathalyzer revealed her blood alcohol content was more than double the legal limit. Initially, she denied consuming alcohol but later admitted to having two beers.
Brady Heiling’s mother, Jen Heiling, expressed her heartbreak on social media after her son’s tragic death, saying, “We are weak, weary and heartbroken and need to rest.” The emotional toll of this incident resonates deeply within the community, highlighting the devastating impact of reckless driving and impaired choices.
Martinez-Avila now faces serious charges, including two counts of felony vehicular homicide and impaired driving. As this case unfolds, families and advocates are calling for strict accountability and justice for Helgeson and Heiling.
The next steps in this case will be critical as families seek closure and communities push for changes in policies regarding illegal immigrants and public safety. The situation remains dynamic, and further developments are expected as legal proceedings advance.
Stay tuned for updates on this urgent case as it continues to evolve.
