Georgia Rep. Calls for ICE Coordination After Deadly Crash

Congressman Buddy Carter says local authorities should have been informed about ICE operations.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Following a deadly crash in Savannah, Georgia that killed a beloved educator, Republican Congressman Buddy Carter is calling for better coordination between Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and local law enforcement. Carter says local authorities should have been aware of ICE's actions in the area, and that "somebody needs to answer" if they were not informed. The crash victim, Dr. Linda Davis, was killed when her vehicle was struck by a car driven by Oscar Vasquez-Lopez, who ICE had previously ordered for removal two years ago.

Why it matters

This incident highlights ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and local authorities, as well as concerns about public safety when there is a lack of coordination. Carter's comments suggest a need for improved communication and cooperation between ICE and local police to prevent future tragedies.

The details

According to reports, Oscar Vasquez-Lopez, who had previously been ordered for removal by ICE, struck and killed Dr. Linda Davis, a beloved educator, in a car crash in Savannah. Chatham County police and Savannah police both stated that ICE did not coordinate with them prior to the incident, and they were unaware of ICE's operations in the area. Congressman Carter stressed the importance of ICE working closely with local authorities, saying "local authorities should know what ICE is doing" and that "if they didn't, somebody needs to answer to that."

  • Two years ago, Oscar Vasquez-Lopez was ordered for removal by ICE.
  • The deadly crash occurred on February 19, 2026.

The players

Buddy Carter

A Republican Congressman from Georgia who is calling for better coordination between ICE and local law enforcement following the deadly crash.

Oscar Vasquez-Lopez

The individual who struck and killed Dr. Linda Davis in the car crash, and who had previously been ordered for removal by ICE two years ago.

Dr. Linda Davis

A beloved educator in Savannah, Georgia who was killed in the car crash.

Jon Ossoff

A Georgia Senator who expressed heartbreak over the tragedy and sent condolences to Dr. Davis' family and the Savannah-Chatham public school community.

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What they’re saying

“Local authorities should know what ICE is doing. If they didn't, somebody needs to answer for that.”

— Buddy Carter, U.S. Congressman (wjcl.com)

“I'm heartbroken by this appalling tragedy and send my deepest condolences to Dr. Linda Davis' family and to Savannah-Chatham Public Schools. Dr. Davis was a beloved educator and I join the entire community in deep sorrow.”

— Jon Ossoff, U.S. Senator (wjcl.com)

What’s next

Congressman Carter stressed that ICE will need to be held responsible if they did not coordinate with local authorities, but did not specify how or when they would be held accountable.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for improved communication and coordination between federal immigration enforcement agencies like ICE and local law enforcement to ensure public safety and prevent future tragedies from occurring.