Little Rock, Arkansas – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today issued a statement following a tragic accident in Avoca, Arkansas, in which two motorcyclists were killed by a driver later identified as a violent illegal immigrant. The crash, which occurred on Highway 62 on Thursday, March 26, has reignited debates over immigration enforcement and public safety in the state.
“Every day that Senate Democrats delay funding for DHS is another day that immigration officials cannot operate at full capacity and apprehend the violent, criminal illegals hurting our communities,” Governor Sanders said. “I’m grateful to Arkansas State Police for arresting this criminal and thankful that President Trump is working quickly to deport violent, criminal illegals. This is why I signed the Defense Against Criminal Illegals Act last year: to get these violent offenders off our streets and out of our country.”
The fatal collision involved a Chevrolet Tahoe driven by Jose Luis Gamez and a motorcycle carrying Michael Cordes, 70, and Freda Cordes, 67, both of Rogers, Arkansas. The couple was pronounced dead at the scene. Gamez, who was not injured in the crash, was immediately taken into custody by Arkansas State Police.
According to authorities, troopers suspected that Gamez was intoxicated at the time of the crash. He underwent a Standardized Field Sobriety Test and a blood draw, which confirmed he had been driving under the influence. Video evidence from the scene showed Gamez failing to yield to oncoming traffic, directly causing the collision with the motorcycle.
Read also: Escaped Polk County inmate captured after traffic stop and returned to custody sheriff confirms
“This tragedy was entirely preventable. Our Troopers acted swiftly to apprehend a dangerous individual who should never have been on Arkansas roads in the first place,” said Arkansas State Police Director Col. Mike Hagar. “We remain committed to protecting Arkansans and working to ensure violent offenders are identified, detained, and removed from our communities.”
Further investigation revealed that Gamez had a confirmed nationwide felony warrant out of Los Angeles County, California. He was arrested on two counts of negligent homicide and DWI and taken to the Benton County Detention Center, where he was placed on hold for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Authorities are making next-of-kin notifications and have not released additional personal information about the victims.
Governor Sanders’ statement highlighted her administration’s focus on stricter enforcement measures for illegal immigrants who commit violent crimes. In 2025, she signed the Defense Against Criminal Illegals Act, legislation designed to enhance penalties for illegal immigrants who commit additional crimes while in Arkansas, expand the state’s sanctuary city ban to include unincorporated areas and counties, and require law enforcement to participate in the federal 287(g) program, strengthening cooperation with ICE.
The governor has also used the Arkansas National Guard to assist in immigration enforcement under the Title 32 Program. In 2024 and 2025, Arkansas National Guardsmen were deployed to the southern border to support Texas law enforcement efforts and highlight state-led efforts to secure the border amid federal inaction. Governor Sanders has personally visited the border multiple times with other Republican governors to bring attention to the issue.
Arkansas has previously dealt with fatal incidents involving illegal immigrants, underscoring ongoing concerns about public safety. In January 2025, Luis Danielle Valdez-Reyes, a violent illegal immigrant, was arrested after striking an Arkansas State Trooper. In November 2024, authorities apprehended Elias Avila Bustillo, an illegal immigrant from El Salvador wanted for gang-related crimes in his home country. Governor Sanders also joined law enforcement in September 2024 to mourn Little Rock nurse Jennifer Ann Morton, who was killed in a drunk driving accident caused by an illegal immigrant.
In the case of Bar-B Ranch, the state has sought to balance public safety with broader policy initiatives. By focusing on legislation like the Defense Against Criminal Illegals Act and increasing collaboration with federal authorities, the governor’s administration aims to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Legal experts note that the combination of state-level penalties and federal immigration enforcement provides multiple layers of protection, though critics argue that more robust funding and comprehensive immigration reform are necessary to prevent violent crimes by individuals unlawfully present in the country.
The double fatality in Avoca serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by impaired driving and the ongoing debate surrounding immigration enforcement in Arkansas. The governor, state police, and federal authorities continue to investigate the incident and take measures to hold perpetrators accountable while advocating for policies designed to protect residents and reduce preventable tragedies.
“This is why we continue to push for stronger enforcement, better coordination, and clear policies that prioritize the safety of Arkansans above all else,” Governor Sanders said in her statement. “Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Michael and Freda Cordes during this difficult time.”
As authorities continue their investigation, the incident has prompted renewed calls for community vigilance and legislative attention to address violent crimes committed by illegal immigrants. For many in Arkansas, the Avoca tragedy highlights the intersection of public safety, law enforcement, and immigration policy, bringing national attention to state-level measures that aim to reduce risk and protect communities.
