Norfolk, VA – October 23, 2025 – The tragic death of 24-year-old Jose Castro-Rivera has reignited debate over the conduct of federal immigration enforcement after the Honduran national was struck by a vehicle while fleeing a traffic stop by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. The incident, which occurred on the evening of Thursday, October 23, 2025, has raised concerns about the safety of individuals during ICE operations, particularly in high-traffic areas like Interstate 264.
What Happened: The Incident Leading to Castro-Rivera’s Death
The fatal accident occurred near the Military Highway interchange in Norfolk, Virginia, at approximately 6:30 p.m. ICE officials reported that Castro-Rivera was a passenger in a vehicle that was pulled over as part of a “targeted, intelligence-based immigration enforcement operation.” When ICE officers began detaining the occupants of the vehicle, Castro-Rivera allegedly resisted and fled on foot towards the eastbound lanes of Interstate 264.
Just moments later, while fleeing, Castro-Rivera was struck by a passing pickup truck. Despite immediate efforts by an ICE officer who performed CPR at the scene, Castro-Rivera was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. The driver of the pickup truck stayed at the scene and is cooperating fully with law enforcement.
Who Was Jose Castro-Rivera: A Life Cut Short
Jose Castro-Rivera, originally from Honduras, had been residing in the United States as an undocumented immigrant. His death has sent shockwaves through the community and sparked outcry among immigrant rights groups and legal advocates. Friends and family described him as a hardworking individual with a strong sense of loyalty to his loved ones, and his tragic passing has left many questioning the circumstances of his encounter with ICE.
While information about his personal life remains limited, those who knew him have expressed their grief over the loss of a young man whose future was abruptly taken from him. His death highlights the fear and vulnerability many undocumented individuals feel when encountering federal immigration authorities, particularly during high-stress enforcement operations.
Controversy and Public Reactions: ICE’s Role in Castro-Rivera’s Death
The incident quickly garnered national attention, with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issuing a statement blaming Castro-Rivera’s death on “every politician, activist, and reporter who continue to spread propaganda and misinformation about ICE’s mission.” The statement further claimed that the death was preventable and that it occurred because Castro-Rivera did not comply with law enforcement orders.
These remarks were met with immediate backlash. Immigration attorney Andrew Reigel condemned the DHS statement, calling it “deeply inappropriate and insensitive.” Reigel emphasized that many undocumented immigrants flee in fear of deportation, a fear that often leads to dangerous situations. “This young man’s actions were likely driven by fear, not defiance,” he said. “To place blame on him or on advocates rather than examining the operation itself ignores the broader issue of how these enforcement tactics endanger lives.”
Support for Castro-Rivera’s Family: Advocacy and Legal Assistance
In response to the tragedy, the Chamber for Hispanic Progress, a regional advocacy organization, has stepped in to offer assistance to Castro-Rivera’s family. The organization is helping with funeral arrangements and assisting the family in communicating with consular officials to navigate the complex legal and bureaucratic processes that follow such an incident.
The group has also called for increased transparency in ICE operations, especially those conducted near busy highways, where the risk to public safety is heightened. The Chamber advocates for a review of ICE’s enforcement tactics, urging for reforms that ensure greater safety during interactions with the immigrant community.
What Happens Next: Investigation and Calls for Reform
As investigations into the incident continue, questions remain about the safety protocols followed during the traffic stop and whether this tragedy could have been prevented. Law enforcement officials, including local police, have vowed to fully cooperate with the investigation, and more details are expected to emerge in the coming weeks.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the tension between federal immigration enforcement and the communities it affects. While ICE maintains that its operations are essential for national security, critics argue that the agency’s tactics often lead to dangerous situations with fatal consequences. The ongoing investigation may provide further insight into how such a tragedy could have been avoided and whether reforms are necessary to prevent future incidents.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
