Sen. Bernie Moreno Criticizes Connecticut’s Driver’s License Policy Following Fatal Crash

Senator Bernie Moreno from Ohio is questioning Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont’s policies following the death of an Ohioan in a car accident involving an illegal immigrant. Moreno claims the immigrant held a driver’s license granted under Connecticut’s policy.

Moreno expressed his concern on social media, stating that more than 60,000 illegal immigrants have been issued driver’s licenses in Connecticut. He emphasized the potential risk this poses to American drivers and demanded accountability from Governor Lamont.

“My office has learned that an illegal alien granted a driver’s license by the state of Connecticut killed a 29-year-old Ohioan in a reckless driving accident,” Moreno posted.

Moreno requested an apology from Lamont and asked for a detailed account of the number of illegal immigrants who have been issued licenses, as well as any involvement they may have had in voting.

The incident occurred on August 29 in Fulton County, Ohio. A vehicle driven by Washington Guillermo Naula-Ochoa collided with another car, driven by Austin J. Karr Grimes, after Naula-Ochoa allegedly failed to yield at a stop sign. Grimes was killed in the crash.

Naula-Ochoa was charged with vehicular manslaughter and is in custody with an immigration detainer placed on him by federal authorities. He is identified as an Ecuadoran national and listed as homeless.

A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security stated that arrest detainers are crucial for the removal of criminal illegal aliens, with seven of the ten safest U.S. cities cooperating with ICE.

In his letter to Governor Lamont, Moreno criticized Connecticut’s drive-only license program, which allows individuals without legal U.S. status to obtain licenses for driving. He argued that this policy endangers U.S. citizens.

This policy has come under scrutiny as Moreno urged Connecticut to reconsider its stance and align with states requiring legal presence for licenses. He requested data on the impact and costs associated with the program.

In response, Lamont expressed his condolences to Grimes’ family and defended the drive-only license as a means to enhance road safety by reducing uninsured drivers and hit-and-runs.

Moreno dismissed Lamont’s argument, saying that training illegal immigrants to drive was not the solution and insisting on deportation as the appropriate response. He claimed Democratic policies aim to gather dependent voters.

The issue of illegal immigrants receiving state-level driver’s licenses has gained national attention, with federal views emphasizing enforcement and accurate identification of individuals residing in the U.S. illegally.

Additionally, Mehek Cooke, an Ohio GOP strategist, criticized Connecticut Democrats for positioning themselves as compassionate while allegedly jeopardizing American citizens’ safety.