OXON HILL, Md. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested Kevin Alexis Mendez-Ortiz, a Honduran national, on Nov. 25 in Oxon Hill during a targeted enforcement operation, 16 days after he allegedly caused a head-on collision in Prince George’s County that left a U.S. citizen with life-threatening injuries.
Mendez-Ortiz, who entered the United States illegally near Hidalgo, Texas, on Sept. 30, 2022, was processed by U.S. Border Patrol and released on his own recognizance with a notice to appear before an immigration judge.
On Nov. 9, Prince George’s County police say Mendez-Ortiz was driving eastbound when he crossed the center line into oncoming traffic, striking another vehicle head-on. Authorities say he then fled the scene without rendering aid or providing information.
The female driver of the second vehicle, who has asked to remain anonymous, sustained multiple critical injuries, including broken vertebrae, a broken collarbone, a broken wrist, fractured ribs, intestinal and uterine damage, a ruptured diaphragm, a collapsed lung, and a concussion. She remains hospitalized and faces an extended recovery period.
Three days later, on Nov. 12, Prince George’s County police cited Mendez-Ortiz with 11 traffic violations, including:
Failure to display a license or registration on demand Driving without required license and authorization Failure to stop at the scene of an accident involving bodily injury Failure to remain at the scene Failure to provide insurance information Failure to drive on the right half of the roadway Unsafe lane change Failure to control speed to avoid collision Disregarding traffic control devices and lane markings
“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,” said acting Baltimore Field Office Director Jeremy Bacon in a Dec. 11 statement. “A U.S. citizen suffered devastating injuries because of the reckless behavior of an illegal alien who had no lawful right to be in our country. The Baltimore field office extends our deepest hopes for our fellow citizen’s full and speedy recovery.”
Mendez-Ortiz remains in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.
The arrest occurred in Oxon Hill, a community in central Prince George’s County along the Capital Beltway and Indian Head Highway corridor, where local law enforcement frequently partners with federal immigration authorities on public-safety cases.
Members of the public may report suspected criminal activity or immigration violations to ICE by calling 866-347-2423 or submitting tips online.
