ICE Lodges Detainer Against Woman Charged In Crash That Killed Bridgeport Officer

DANBURY, CT — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has lodged an immigration detainer against the Stamford woman charged in the July 13 crash that killed a Bridgeport police officer and his passenger, the agency announced.

In a statement, ICE said it lodged a detainer against Melissa Esperanza Ramirez-Romero on July 26. The agency described Ramirez-Romero as "a criminal illegal alien" and said she is facing charges of vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence.

Ramirez-Romero, 27, was arrested July 24 and charged with two counts of second-degree manslaughter with a motor vehicle, operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, traveling unreasonably fast and failure to drive in the proper lane in connection with the July 13 crash on Sugar Hollow Road.

The crash killed Bridgeport Police Officer Cooper Whiteside, 38, of Danbury, and his passenger, Brittany Islami, 34, of New Milford, who were riding a motorcycle.

According to an arrest warrant affidavit previously obtained by Patch, investigators determined Ramirez-Romero's blood alcohol concentration measured 0.14%, nearly twice Connecticut's legal limit of 0.08%. Police also said toxicology results showed she tested positive for cannabis.

Investigators said crash data, physical evidence and witness statements indicated Ramirez-Romero crossed the double-yellow center line into the motorcycle's lane before the collision. Court records show she has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

An immigration detainer is a request asking a law enforcement agency to notify ICE before releasing an individual from custody so federal immigration authorities can take custody if appropriate.

Ramirez-Romero remains held on a $300,000 bond in the criminal case. Her next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 31 in Danbury Superior Court.