Semiconductor in deadly Colorado highway crash was illegal immigrant

The man accused of crashing a truck on a highway in Colorado last week, killing one person and injuring another, is an illegal immigrant who has a long history of removal from the United States, authorities said.

Ignacio Cruz-Mendoza, 47, of Mexico, faces charges of reckless driving and manslaughter in connection with the June 11 crash.

Mendoza was transporting a load of steep pipe on Highway 285 near Conifer when he lost control of the truck, causing it to roll to the side as it veered off the road, the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) said.

A load of pipes and angle iron spilled from the semi-trailer and fell onto five other vehicles. One person died and another was seriously injured, CSP said. Mendoza was not injured.

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Debris blocked the highway in both directions, leaving it closed for more than 12 hours as authorities worked to clear the highway.

Cruz-Mendoza was arrested and booked into the Jefferson County Jail. CSP said it does not have a local address.

An ICE spokesperson confirmed that Cruz-Mendoza has a long history of removal to Mexico, dating back more than two decades. ICE first became aware of Cruz-Mendoza in April 2002, when he was arrested on local charges in Jefferson County, Oregon, the ICE spokesperson said.

Aerial images show the wreckage of the plane along US 285 near Conifer, Colorado. (KDVR)

An immigration judge ordered Cruz-Mendoza deported to Mexico on May 29, 2002. Since then, he has been deported from the United States or voluntarily returned to Mexico 16 times, ICE said.

ICE's Enforcement and Removal Office (ERO) in Denver reviewed Cruz-Mendoza's arrest with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and filed a detainer to be notified of his possible release.

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Online court records show Cruz-Mendoza remains in custody. Her next court appearance is scheduled for July 30.