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Former WNBA star Sophie Brunner’s mother was killed in a head-on crash with an illegal immigrant who had a history of driving drunk, according to authorities in Illinois.
Darcy Connolly-Brunner, 61, was struck when Rolando Ico-Choc, a 30-year-old Guatemalan national, crossed over into the wrong lane in Freeport on Saturday afternoon, the Stephenson County Sheriff’s Office said.
The migrant, who had a rap sheet including prior DUIs, was also killed in the wreck, according to officials.
Authorities are probing whether Ico-Choc was under the influence at the time of the double fatality.
They have already said there is no indication that the mom of four was impaired.
In the wake of the tragedy, state Sen. Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) said Ico-Choc was in the US illegally and was known to Homeland Security.
“A woman who dedicated her life to her family and her community was killed in broad daylight by a man who never should have been in this country or on the road,” Chesney said in a statement.
“His criminal record includes prior charges of DUI, aggravated (felony) DUI, and battery. Additionally, it was confirmed by the US Department of Homeland Security that he was in this country illegally, having crossed the border a few years ago during the Biden administration.”
The lawmaker blasted the state’s lax immigration law — known as the TRUST Act — that prevents local cops from working with ICE to nab criminal migrants.
“Over the last few years, this man was shielded by systems that provide sanctuary to illegal immigrants and are more focused on allowing criminals to walk free than on protecting Illinois citizens,” Chesney said.
“I am not going to sit by silently while dangerous repeat offenders who are in this country illegally are given free rein to destroy lives.”
