ICE issues detainer for criminal illegal alien charged in deadly Tennessee DUI crash

JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. - ICE lodged an immigration detainer against a criminal illegal alien charged in a deadly crash while driving under the influence that resulted in the death of a 69-year-old man in Tennessee. In addition to the vehicular homicide charge, Vasquez-Morales faces charges of reckless driving, possession of methamphetamine, driving without a license and several other offenses. More charges may be forthcoming, officials said.

According to local reports, Alfonso Vasquez-Morales crossed into oncoming traffic and struck a motorcycle head-on around 2 p.m. on July 7 in Jonesborough. The driver of the motorcycle, William Richard Sauer, 69, of Brooksville, Florida, was thrown from the motorcycle and pronounced dead at the scene.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office said witnesses reported Vasquez-Morales was weaving in and out of traffic before the crash. Officials said Vasquez-Morales admitted to deputies on scene he consumed "six or seven beers" prior to driving.

Vasquez-Morales informed ICE officers that he entered the United States without authorization through Arizona and has resided in the country illegally for approximately three years.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office is a 287(g) partner in the Warrant Service Officer model, which helps facilitate the transfer of custody from local agencies to ICE. The partnership keeps communities safer by supporting the secure transfer of illegal aliens with criminal charges or convictions from local custody to ICE, reducing the risk of repeat offenses.

Under President Trump and Secretary Mullin's leadership, ICE is carrying out its mandate to remove illegal alien criminals and restore law and order to our immigration system.

You can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

Learn more about ICE's public safety mission on X at @ICEgov.