Monroe County Sheriffs: Injuries, Not Immigration Status, Should Be Your Priority At An Accident Scene!

In late April, a Monroe County Sheriff's Deputy responded to the scene of a cyclist struck by a vehicle, but his first question wasn't whether the cyclist was okay. Instead, he subjected him to a humiliating line of interrogation about his immigration status — and ultimately, the victim, Marcus Antonio Huete, found himself fined, charged with obstructing traffic, and turned over to immigration authorities.

Regardless of "sanctuary" status, the first priority of a region's law enforcement officers should be the safety and welfare of those present at the scene of an incident. Their immigration status isn't relevant to the question of whether they have serious internal injuries or other medical issues in need of urgent attention.

This matter should be investigated, and the department should offer remedial training in correctly prioritizing decisions at the scene of a traffic incident. Ascertaining physical and mental health should rank well before questions about immigration status.