Illegal Immigrant Charged After Rock Thrown at New Jersey School Bus Injures Young Girl
PARAMUS, N.J. — A 40-year-old man residing in Palisades Park, New Jersey, has been charged after allegedly throwing a baseball-sized rock at a school bus, seriously injuring an 8-year-old girl. Hernando Garcia-Morales, who federal officials confirm is in the United States illegally, faces multiple charges related to the incident that occurred on January 7 on the northbound New Jersey Turnpike.
The children aboard the bus were returning from a class trip to the Liberty Science Center when the large rock smashed through a window. The young victim, a third-grade student attending Yeshivat Noam Jewish day school in Paramus, suffered a skull fracture and required surgery following the attack. Authorities described the injury as severe, underscoring the dangers posed by the incident.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, Garcia-Morales has a criminal record spanning over two decades. Despite this, he avoided deportation due to New Jersey’s sanctuary policies, which limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
The New Jersey State Police have taken the lead in the investigation, working closely with federal immigration authorities to address the legal status of Garcia-Morales. The case has reignited debates over sanctuary policies and their impact on public safety.
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency has confirmed Garcia-Morales’ illegal status and is coordinating with local law enforcement to ensure appropriate actions are taken. ICE officials have emphasized the importance of cooperation between federal and state agencies to prevent similar incidents.
Community members and officials have expressed concern over the safety of schoolchildren and the implications of harboring individuals with criminal histories. The incident has drawn attention from lawmakers and advocacy groups alike, with calls for a review of sanctuary policies in New Jersey.
The Yeshivat Noam school released a statement expressing relief that the injured student is receiving medical care and gratitude for the swift response from law enforcement. Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security continues to monitor the situation closely.
For more information on federal immigration enforcement and policies, visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website. Updates on the investigation and legal proceedings are expected as authorities move forward with the case.
Leave a Reply