Photos: DHS / Savannah Chatham County Public School System
(Savannah, Georgia) – A beloved Georgia teacher was killed this week in a crash that occurred during a federal immigration enforcement operation, according to the Chatham County Police Department.
In a statement, the Department of Homeland Security said the fatal crash occurred while ICE officers were attempting to apprehend Oscar Vasquez Lopez, a Guatemalan national who had been issued a final order of removal in 2024. According to DHS, officers observed Lopez enter a vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. Authorities say he initially complied but then fled, making a reckless U-turn and running a red light before colliding with another vehicle. The civilian driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Lopez remains hospitalized with minor injuries and is being charged by the Chatham County Police Department with vehicular homicide.
Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin called the incident “an absolute tragedy” and blamed what she described as political rhetoric encouraging resistance to ICE. “Fleeing from and resisting federal law enforcement is not only a crime but extraordinarily dangerous and puts oneself, our officers and innocent civilians at risk,” McLaughlin said. DHS also criticized so-called sanctuary policies and said ICE remains committed to removing individuals with final orders of removal.
The collision happened on Whitefield Avenue in Chatham County. Police said a preliminary investigation shows that Oscar Vasquez Lopez, 38, crashed into another vehicle while fleeing officers with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (DHS/ICE), who were attempting to pull him over.
The Chatham County Police Department emphasized it was not involved in the federal operation.
“CCPD was not involved in the DHS/ICE operation, attempted traffic stop, or pursuit,” the department said, adding it was not aware of the federal activity until after the crash occurred.
Lopez has been charged with reckless driving, driving without a valid license, failure to obey a traffic control device, and first-degree homicide by vehicle.
The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System confirmed that Dr. Linda Davis, a teacher at Hesse K-8 School, was killed in the crash.
Savannah Mayor Van Johnson issued a statement offering condolences.
“I extend my condolences to the family of Dr. Davis and the entire Hesse K-8 community during this incredibly difficult time,” Johnson said. “We pray for comfort, strength, and peace to her loved ones, colleagues, and the many students whose lives this gifted and beloved educator touched.”
“This is a time for compassion, care, and support for one another as our community grieves and as the facts surrounding this tragedy are carefully reviewed,” he continued. “We stand with Dr. Davis’ family and her Hesse K-8 family, keeping them lifted in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
In response, U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter placed blame on immigration policy.
“The Left has a Georgian’s blood on its hands, once again,” Carter said. “A beloved local teacher lost her life because an illegal immigrant facing deportation refused to cooperate with ICE. We must throw the book at this individual. This is what happens when politicians like Jon Ossoff open up our borders and then urge people not to comply with ICE – innocent Americans die.”
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr echoed that sentiment.
“A Savannah teacher is gone after a crash caused by an illegal immigrant fleeing ICE,” Carr said. “Our prayers are with her family and the entire Savannah community. This is a somber reminder that policies that weaken immigration enforcement have real consequences for public safety.”
Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff offered condolences while focusing on coordination.
“I’m heartbroken by this appalling tragedy and send my deepest condolences to Dr. Linda Davis’ family and to Savannah-Chatham Public Schools,” Ossoff said. “Dr. Davis was a beloved educator and I join the entire community in deep sorrow. I have spoken with City of Savannah and Chatham County leaders to convey my support for their efforts to strengthen public safety and improve communication with federal agencies.”
Savannah Alderwoman Alicia Miller Blakely criticized the pursuit itself, writing, “IF THE CHASE WAS NOT ENSUED THIS WOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED!!!! TEARS FOR THE FAMILY!!!!”
Georgia Rep. Anne Allen Westbrook said, “I am heartbroken at the death of Dr. Linda Davis, a beloved teacher at Hesse K-8. My deepest condolences go out to her family, her students, and the SCCPSS community.”
Westbrook added, “There will undoubtedly be more facts coming to light about this tragedy. There will undoubtedly be blame enough to go around. But it is reasonable for citizens to conclude that the scale and magnitude of ICE’s dragnet is costing us too much.”
Georgia State Sen. Derek Mallow urged caution in politicizing the incident.
“Today, our district is grieving,” Mallow said. “A beloved Savannah teacher, Dr. Linda Davis, lost her life in a tragic crash. She was an educator and a pillar in our community.”
He continued, “Turning someone’s death into a political football helps no one. It doesn’t heal families. It doesn’t make our streets safer. And it does not honor the life that was taken.”
Mallow also called for scrutiny of federal operations: “Federal immigration enforcement actions, including pursuits, can create dangerous conditions on our local roads. ICE and DHS are not trained for routine traffic stops, and operations that put innocent lives at risk demand serious review and accountability.”
The Department of Homeland Security has not released additional details about the operation. The investigation remains ongoing.
