Man Arrested Over Crash That Killed Nevada Senator’s Aide Is Illegal Immigrant: DHS

Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, a Democrat, speaks at a rally in Henderson, Nev., on Nov. 6, 2022. Mario Tama/Getty Images

A man arrested in connection with the death of an adviser to a Nevada Senator earlier this month was staying in the United States illegally, according to officials.

Kurt Englehart, adviser to Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev), was killed in a two-car crash on April 6, an obituary for the 38-year-old states.

The father of one died at the scene, according to officials.

Police arrested the driver of the other vehicle involved in the crash—18-year-old Elmer Rueda-Linares—shortly after the incident, they said.

The suspect, who is being held at Washoe County Jail, was placed under a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) immigration detainer, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) told the Reno Gazette-Journal on April 16.

An immigration detainer is a request by ICE to local law enforcement or jails to hold a “removable noncitizen” for an additional 48 hours after they were initially arrested, granting federal officers further time to decide whether or not to take them into custody and deport them.

According to officials while Mr. Rueda-Linares was initially charged with a felony hit-and-run, that charge has now been changed to failing to stop at the scene of an accident, according to the sheriff’s office.

He is currently being held on $100,000 bail.

Suspect Entered US Illegally, Officials Say

The DHS told the publication that Mr. Rueda-Linares is in the United States illegally and was arrested at the Texas border in March 2021 before being released into the United States in June 2021.

“Rueda entered the United States on March 12, 2021, at or near the Rio Grande City, Texas, Port of Entry without inspection by an immigration official,” the DHS said. “United States Customs and Border Protection arrested him, and he was later released on his own recognizance June 22, 2021.”

Mr. Rueda-Linares is scheduled to appear in court on April 18.

The Epoch Times has contacted the DHS for further comment.

Mr. Englehart was born in Zanesville, Ohio. He graduated from Tri-Valley High School in Dresden, Ohio, and attended Zane State in Zanesville and Muskingum College in New Concord, Ohio, where he earned degrees in political science and public administration, an obituary published in the Reno Gazette-Journal states.

‘Beloved Figure Across the State’

Mr. Englehart was a “skilled political strategist” who worked on Barack Obama’s 2012 presidential campaign before working for the U.S. Senate, spending the majority of his career serving Ms. Masto—both in a campaign and official capacity— as a political director and senior adviser.

“Regardless of his position, Kurt was purpose-driven in his dedication to advocate for others and cultivate a democracy that is accessible to everyone,” the obituary states. “He worked tirelessly to improve the lives of those in rural Nevada and he was especially motivated in his support for Indigenous communities, cattlemen, miners, and underrepresented populations.”

“All those he met can share stories of his kindness, sharp wit, and willingness to drop everything for someone in need. Kurt was respected and admired by colleagues and opponents alike for his integrity, intelligence, and humor,” it continues. “If you were fortunate enough to be loved by Kurt, then you know that he loved and championed you at your worst and at your best.”

Mr. Englehart is survived by his brother, step-brother, step-father, and girlfriend.

On her official website, Ms. Masto describes Mr. Englehart as a “beloved figure across the state” who was “always eager to help a constituent at a moment’s notice.”

“He touched many lives, and many in Northern Nevada have a great story about Kurt helping them or making them laugh,” the website states.

A memorial service will be held for Mr. Englehart on April 20 at noon at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada.