Deported Driver Charged In Fatal Colorado Crash

A driver with a history of drug- and alcohol-related arrests and numerous deportations is charged in the death of Scott Miller, a 64-year-old grandfather from Colorado. The driver, Ignacio Cruz-Mendoza, lost control of his semi-truck on US 285 on June 11, leading to the fatal accident. Cruz-Mendoza now faces charges of vehicular assault and vehicular homicide.

According to KMGH-TV, Cruz-Mendoza, 47, has been deported to Mexico at least 16 times since April 2002, with the most recent deportation occurring on May 29. Despite this, he managed to re-enter the U.S.

During a hearing on Tuesday, Jefferson County prosecutors urged the judge not to reduce Cruz-Mendoza’s $50,000 bail, citing his repeated deportations. The First Judicial District Attorney described Cruz-Mendoza as a significant flight risk due to his extensive history of re-entry into the country.

Colorado State Patrol reported that excessive speed was a factor in the crash. Cruz-Mendoza’s truck, owned by Monique Trucking, veered off the road, rolled onto its side, and spilled 47,000 pounds of steel pipes onto the highway, impacting five vehicles. The truck’s brakes also failed, and Cruz-Mendoza did not have a commercial vehicle license.

“He was just young,” Miller’s daughter Michelle said. “He was only 64. I just want everyone to know that my dad was fun. He was an awesome dad and was an awesome grandfather.”

This incident highlights the ease with which individuals can cross the border repeatedly. Despite numerous deportations, Cruz-Mendoza returned multiple times, raising concerns about the effectiveness of border security measures.

Critics argue that employers like Monique Trucking, which had five safety violations, may prioritize cheap labor over legal compliance, contributing to such tragedies. As the debate over border security continues, incidents like this underscore the need for effective enforcement to prevent repeat offenses by those with extensive criminal histories.