New Jersey Assemblywoman Vicky Flynn (R-Monmouth) has attributed the deaths of Maria Pleitez and her 11-year-old daughter, Dayanara Cortes, in Lakewood to the state’s sanctuary policies. Flynn stated that these policies allowed Raul Luna-Perez, an undocumented immigrant with prior criminal convictions, to remain in the community.
On July 26, a Dodge Durango driven by Luna-Perez struck Pleitez’s Nissan Sentra head-on. Both Pleitez and her daughter were killed. Another 11-year-old girl was critically injured but has since stabilized. Luna-Perez sustained minor injuries and was arrested at the scene. He is currently held at Ocean County Jail and faces two counts of vehicular homicide and assault by auto.
Flynn voiced frustration over what she described as a preventable tragedy: “It’s outrageous,” Flynn told the Garden State Times. “This man should have been removed from Monmouth County several arrests ago which would have prevented this tragic accident. If Attorney General Matt Platkin had allowed law enforcement to follow federal law, Raul Luna‑Perez could have been handed over to ICE and removed long ago.”
According to authorities, Luna-Perez had been arrested three times by Red Bank police in Monmouth County—including two DUI offenses earlier this year and a domestic violence charge in 2023—but deportation proceedings were not initiated until after the fatal crash.
Flynn said New Jersey’s Immigrant Trust Directive restricts local law enforcement from notifying ICE or cooperating with federal immigration authorities unless approved by a judge. She defended local police actions: “Red Bank police did their job,” she said. “But Platkin’s Immigrant Trust Directive blocks them from fully working with federal immigration authorities. They arrested him, but the state kept them from taking the next step: reporting him to ICE so he could be removed.”
Flynn criticized Attorney General Matt Platkin for these policies: “Sanctuary policies protect criminals, not families,” she said. “This tragedy is the direct result of Attorney General Platkin tying the hands of our police and prioritizing ideology over public safety. If law enforcement had been allowed to follow federal law, this family would be alive.”
She argued that ending such directives is necessary for public safety: “This is not complicated—law enforcement should be allowed to follow federal law,” Flynn said. “Right now, Platkin’s sanctuary directives prevent local police from notifying ICE when undocumented individuals are arrested for serious or repeat crimes. End those directives, enforce the law, and protect our communities.”
Addressing concerns about community trust and immigrant support, Flynn added: “Community trust does not mean giving criminals a free pass,” she said. “Law‑abiding immigrants deserve protection, but people who repeatedly break our laws should face real consequences—starting with deportation. Our first duty is to protect New Jersey families.”
Flynn also posted on Facebook regarding her stance: “This is outrageous,” she posted. “People need to vote like their lives depend on it, because they do.” She continued: “Democrats in Trenton continue to push sanctuary policies that put dangerous individuals back on our streets. These policies are reckless, and they make every New Jersey resident less safe.”
Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin echoed concerns about state policy: “Governor Murphy and his sanctuary policies released this serial criminal into New Jersey communities,” McLaughlin said in a press release. “Now, this innocent family is shattered by their failed leadership. President Trump and Secretary Noem will continue to do everything in their power to remove these criminal illegal aliens before they destroy more lives.”
The incident follows recent legal action by the Department of Justice against several New Jersey cities accused of blocking cooperation with immigration authorities through sanctuary policies—a move DOJ officials argue undermines federal enforcement efforts.
Funeral services for Pleitez and her daughter took place at Lakewood Funeral Home in Howell; more than 150 people attended wearing shirts bearing photos of the victims. A GoFundMe campaign organized by Pleitez’s niece has raised over $30,000 for burial expenses and repatriation costs.
Flynn offered condolences: “My heart breaks for you,” she said. “As a parent, I can’t imagine your pain. You deserved better from your government. I will continue to fight against these failed policies and weak leadership.” She also reflected on personal loss: “I know the pain of losing a mother at a young age—it is tragic… There is a child right now who has lost a mom and a sibling because our state leaders put ideology above public safety… It saddens me how little some public officials care about our residents.”
