COLES COUNTY, Ill. — A 34-year-old Honduran national living in the U.S. illegally has been charged in a fatal drunk driving crash that killed Coles County Board Member Michael Clayton and his wife, Gail Clayton, last Friday, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
In a Tuesday press release, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed that it had lodged an arrest request for Edwin Pacheco-Meza, the alleged driver. Authorities said officers discovered drugs, ammunition, an extended magazine, and an open alcohol container in his vehicle. Pacheco-Meza faces charges of driving under the influence and reckless homicide.
Police also arrested 18-year-old Juan Morales-Martinez, a Guatemalan national who was a passenger in the car. He has been charged with weapons and drug offenses.
According to DHS, Pacheco-Meza entered the U.S. illegally at an unknown time, while Morales-Martinez crossed the border in December 2023 and was later released by the Biden administration.
Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin condemned the incident, saying:
“Two innocents were killed because this criminal illegal alien chose to drive under the influence. President Trump and Secretary Noem have unleashed ICE and CBP in Illinois to restore law and order and remove criminal illegal aliens from our communities.”
Illinois State Rep. Adam Niemerg (R-Teutopolis) criticized Gov. J.B. Pritzker, saying on X (formerly Twitter) that “Democrats continue to protect those here illegally — and our communities are paying the price.”
Officials said a photo of Pacheco-Meza was released Tuesday by the Department of Homeland Security.
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