UPDATE: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested Noelia Saray Martinez-Avila, a 30-year-old illegal immigrant accused of killing two high school sweethearts in a tragic drunk driving crash on July 20, 2023. The arrest occurred outside the Dane County jail on August 13, 2023, after local authorities provided ICE with less than an hour’s notice before allowing her release.
Martinez-Avila allegedly drove her SUV the wrong way on a highway near Madison, Wisconsin, striking a vehicle and leading to the deaths of 18-year-old Hallie Helgeson and 19-year-old Brady Heiling. Helgeson died at the scene, while Heiling succumbed to his injuries five days later after extensive medical intervention.
Authorities reported that Martinez-Avila was driving under the influence, with a blood alcohol level exceeding twice the legal limit. At the time of the crash, her vehicle contained several open beer cans and reeked of alcohol. She had a history of prior convictions for drunk driving and traffic violations, which included a requirement to install an ignition interlock device that was not in place during the fatal incident.
DHS officials expressed outrage over the rapid release facilitated by local law enforcement.
“Despite this sanctuary jurisdiction giving ICE less than an hour notice to make the arrest, ICE arrested Martinez-Avila and ensured this public safety threat is not released on U.S. streets,”
stated DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. She emphasized the need for justice for the victims’ families.
Following the crash, Heiling’s mother expressed her heartbreak online, stating, “We are weak, weary, and heartbroken and need to rest,” highlighting the emotional toll on the victims’ families.
Martinez-Avila is facing two counts of felony vehicular homicide and impaired driving. As the case unfolds, it raises critical questions about the implications of sanctuary policies and how they affect public safety.
Authorities are now focused on the next steps in the legal process, while the community mourns the loss of two young lives. The situation remains fluid, and updates are expected as the investigation continues.
