ICE detains boat captain in Statue of Liberty capsizing that killed mother, infant
NEW YORK CITY (WABC) -- The operator of a boat that capsized in New York Harbor, killing a baby and her mother, has been detained by ICE.
The Department Homeland Security said Manuel Hernandez, who is from El Salvador, entered the U.S. illegally through Texas in 2007 by lying to a border agent and falsely claiming he was an American citizen.
Authorities say he will remain in ICE custody as he awaits trial, and will be deported after the case concludes and any possible prison sentence is served.
The 46-year-old is facing 13 counts of reckless endangerment for the accident earlier this month, and is accused of overloading the boat that capsized.
He was previously released pending trial following his arraignment on federal charges.
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