LACEY, WASHINGTON — Federal officials are raising alarms after a truck driver accused of causing a multi-vehicle pileup — including a collision with a school bus — was released from custody when Washington authorities declined to honor an ICE detainer.

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the pileup occurred on the morning of December 4, 2025, when Juan Hernandez-Santos, a Mexican national without legal U.S. status, crashed an 18-wheeler into another vehicle, triggering a six-car chain reaction on a Washington highway. Three people were hospitalized. Officials emphasized that the school bus involved did not have children onboard at the time.

Allegations against the driver

Investigators say Hernandez-Santos did not possess a commercial driver's license, yet was operating a semi-truck when the collision occurred. DHS officials describe him as a “dangerous illegal alien” with an extensive criminal history, including:

• Multiple DUIs

• Hit-and-run with property damage

• Possession of a controlled substance

• Two prior removals from the United States

• At least one illegal re-entry — a federal felony

DHS records show Hernandez-Santos was removed to Mexico twice — first in 2005, then again in 2006 — but re-entered the U.S. illegally on a later, unknown date.

Federal criticism of sanctuary policies

Following his arrest for the December 4 crash, ICE lodged an immigration detainer requesting custody of Hernandez-Santos. Local authorities declined to honor it under Washington’s statewide sanctuary policies, and the driver was released.

Federal officials sharply criticized the decision.

“This dangerous illegal alien … caused a six-car pile-up involving a school bus,” DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said. “Sanctuary politicians in Washington failed once again to protect American citizens by refusing to honor our ICE arrest detainer.”

Broader pattern, DHS says

According to DHS, the case reflects an ongoing national trend of illegal immigrants driving commercial trucks without proper licensing or work authorization. Recent enforcement actions cited by DHS include:

• 146 illegal alien truck drivers arrested during a 287(g) operation announced by Secretary Kristi Noem

• 91 illegal alien 18-wheeler drivers arrested in Indiana

• The November arrest of Akhror Bozorov, an Uzbekistan national wanted for ties to a terrorist organization

• The August ICE detainer issued for Harjinder Singh, charged with three counts of vehicular homicide while driving a semi-truck in Florida

“These are preventable tragedies,” McLaughlin said. “DHS law enforcement is working every day to stop another family from experiencing this kind of loss.”

Victims of crimes involving individuals without legal status may seek assistance through the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) Office at 1-855-488-6423, according to DHS.

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