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Illegal Immigrant Manuel Ernesto Hernandez-Umana Arrested for Boat Crash That Killed Mother and Infant

The administration announced that Manuel Ernesto Hernandez-Umana, an illegal immigrant from El Salvador, has been arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for his role in a New York Harbor boat crash. Hernandez-Umana was piloting an unlicensed vessel that capsized on August 8, 2026, resulting in the deaths of 27-year-old Sara Sanchez and her 5-month-old daughter, Antonella Garcia. Investigations revealed that Hernandez-Umana entered the United States illegally in 2007 by falsely claiming to be a U.S. citizen at the border. He is currently facing federal charges of misconduct and neglect of a ship officer resulting in death. Prosecutors noted that the vessel was overcrowded, carrying 14 people despite a 10-person capacity, and lacked infant life vests. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated that Hernandez-Umana will be deported once he faces justice for his crimes. The administration remains committed to ensuring that illegal immigrants who operate commercial vessels recklessly are held accountable for maritime safety violations.

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