Senator Bernie Moreno from Ohio has strongly criticized Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont following a tragic car accident in which an Ohio man was killed. The accident involved an illegal immigrant who, according to Moreno, was issued a driver’s license under Connecticut’s policy.
Moreno took to social media to express his concerns. “An illegal alien granted a driver’s license by the state of Connecticut killed a 29-year-old Ohioan in a reckless driving accident. Connecticut has issued over 60,000 such licenses, endangering many Americans,” Moreno wrote, emphasizing the need to stop this practice.
Moreno demanded that Governor Lamont apologize and reveal the number of illegal immigrants licensed to drive in Connecticut. He also questioned whether these licenses had been used for voting in U.S. elections.
“Despite his lack of legal status, Connecticut issued him a driver’s license,” Moreno stated in a letter directed at Lamont. “Your policies are putting my constituents at risk.”
The accident occurred when Washington Guillermo Naula-Ochoa, driving a 2024 Ram 3500, allegedly failed to yield at a stop sign in Fulton County, Ohio. His vehicle collided with a GMC Suburban driven by Austin J. Karr Grimes, who tragically died from his injuries.
Naula-Ochoa was charged with vehicular manslaughter and has an immigration detainer placed on him. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed the ICE detainer and highlighted the cooperation with ICE in the country’s safest cities.
Connecticut’s policy allows undocumented individuals to receive a driver’s license. Moreno’s letter criticized this program, accusing it of endangering lives. Governor Lamont defended the policy, stating it ensures all drivers are trained and brings more uninsured drivers into the insurance system.
Moreno’s public response to Lamont was clear: he called for deportation of illegal immigrants instead of licensing them. He argues that letting illegal immigrants drive increases the risks on American roads, and suggested Connecticut remove drive-only licenses for safety.
The topic of illegal immigrants driving has also been significant under the Trump administration, with lawsuits and expanded ICE actions concerning state-issued licenses.
Ohio GOP strategist Mehek Cooke voiced frustration at the policy, noting its impact on American safety. “Connecticut made a policy choice, but Americans hundreds of miles away paid the price,” Cooke remarked.