Kevin Alexis Mendez-Ortiz

By Zak Failla From Daily Voice

A Maryland woman is fighting through a long list of brutal injuries after a head-on collision that federal officials say was caused by a Honduran national who entered the country under “catch and release” and then fled the scene.

ICE Baltimore says it arrested Kevin Alexis Mendez-Ortiz late last month, during a targeted operation in Oxon Hill. 

According to the agency, Mendez-Ortiz is a Honduran national who crossed into the US illegally in 2022 and was released the same day — and is now accused of causing a violent crash that nearly killed a Maryland woman.

The crash happened on Nov. 9 – less than two months after his release – when Mendez-Ortiz crossed into oncoming traffic ICE said, and slammed head-on into another vehicle before running from the scene.

The victim, who has chosen not to be identified, survived but suffered what ICE called “devastating injuries,” including:

  • Broken vertebrae;
  • Broken collarbone;
  • Broken wrist;
  • Fractured ribs;
  • Injuries to the intestines and uterus;
  • Ruptured diaphragm;
  • Collapsed lung;
  • Concussion;
  • Additional internal trauma.

She faces a long recovery.

“This tragic incident underscores why ICE remains steadfast in its mission to identify, apprehend, and remove illegal aliens who pose a threat to public safety,” acting ICE Baltimore Field Office Director Jeremy Bacon said in a statement.

“A US citizen suffered devastating injuries because of the reckless behavior of an illegal alien who had no lawful right to be in our country,” he continued. “The Baltimore field office extends our deepest hopes for our fellow citizens’ full and speedy recovery.”

Prince George’s County Police later cited Mendez-Ortiz for:

  • Driving without a license;
  • Failure to display license or registration;
  • Failure to remain at the scene of an accident involving injury;
  • Failure to return to or remain at the scene of vehicle damage;
  • Failure to provide insurance information;
  • Unsafe lane change after a hit-and-run;
  • Failure to control speed to avoid a collision;
  • Failure to obey traffic control devices;
  • Failure to obey designated lane directions;
  • Failure to drive on the right half of the roadway.

ICE confirmed Mendez-Ortiz entered the US near Hidalgo, Texas, on Sept. 30, 2022, was arrested by Border Patrol, issued a notice to appear, and released on his own recognizance under federal policy.

Mendez-Ortiz remains in ICE custody.