AVOYELLES PARISH, La. (WNTZ) – A fatal crash in Avoyelles Parish that left one man dead has resulted in the arrest of a suspect now being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to separate statements released by Louisiana State Police and the Department of Homeland Security.

Louisiana State Police Troop E reported that the collision occurred around 9 p.m. on Aug. 3 on Louisiana Highway 1 near the Echo community. Investigators say a northbound 2014 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by Romero H. Roberto, 34, of Alexandria, veered off the roadway and struck a 2013 Kubota lawn mower being operated on the shoulder by 59-year-old Rickey G. Maddox, also of Alexandria.

Maddox suffered severe injuries and was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Roberto, who was not wearing a seat belt, was uninjured.

Troopers said impairment is suspected in the collision, and toxicology samples were taken for analysis. Roberto was arrested the following day and charged with vehicular homicide, first-offense DWI, careless operation, no driver’s license, and an expired license plate. He was booked into the Avoyelles Parish Detention Center.

On Aug. 7, the Department of Homeland Security confirmed ICE placed an immigration detainer on Roberto, identified in their release as Romero-Hernandez, a Mexican national who entered the U.S. at an unknown time and location. According to DHS, the detainer was issued to ensure he is not released back into the community after local legal proceedings.

“This criminal illegal alien’s reckless decision to drink and drive killed an innocent man,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin in the agency’s statement. “The senseless tragedy should have never happened because Romero-Hernandez should have never been in our country.”

The case remains under investigation by Louisiana State Police.