Child killed by drunk immigrant months after he was released from ICE holder

Seven-year-old Ivory Smith tragically lost her life in a late-night drunk driving accident in north Houston, caused by Venezuelan migrant Joel Enrique Gonzalez Chacin. This devastating incident occurred just two and a half months after ICE released a hold against Chacin, as revealed by court documents.

According to Fox 26 Houston, Chacin had a history of trouble with the law. Earlier this year, he was placed on an ICE hold after being arrested for assaulting a family member in June. Despite initially facing a felony assault charge, it was reduced to a misdemeanor. After pleading guilty, Chacin served 113 days in jail, which he had already completed, and was released on the same day. Surprisingly, the ICE detainer against him was also lifted on that same day, for reasons unknown.

Fox News Digital reached out to ICE for clarification on the removal of the detainer but has not received a response yet. Authorities confirmed that Chacin was intoxicated when he crashed into Christina Smith and her daughter Ivory at 2:45 a.m. Instead of rendering aid, Chacin reportedly took photos of the crash scene before fleeing. Tragically, Ivory lost her life in the accident, while her mother sustained severe injuries but has since been discharged from the hospital. Chacin has been arrested for intoxicated manslaughter and is now facing a new ICE detainer.

Ivory was a second-grade student whose life was cut short by the reckless actions of Chacin. In a statement released by the family, they expressed the ongoing physical and emotional pain endured by Ivory’s mother due to the accident. The family emphasized the need for accountability and justice to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

The family raised concerns about the release of individuals with a history of criminal behavior and the failure of the system to prevent them from causing harm. They questioned the purpose of ICE holds if dangerous individuals are allowed to walk free and potentially reoffend. Ivory’s family described her as a bright light whose memory will inspire them to advocate for change and ensure a safer future for all.

In conclusion, the loss of Ivory Smith serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of drunk driving and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions. The family’s plea for justice and reform underscores the need for stronger measures to protect innocent lives from preventable tragedies.

**Author: Peter Pinedo**