Manuel Ernesto Hernandez‑Umana, a 46‑year‑old illegal immigrant from El Salvador, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Monday following the fatal capsizing of a speedboat in New York Harbor. The incident, which occurred during a tourist tour around the Statue of Liberty, claimed the lives of 5‑month‑old Antonella Garcia and her mother, 27‑year‑old Sara Sanchez.
Immigration status and criminal case
According to the Department of Homeland Security, Hernandez‑Umana entered the United States through Texas in 2007, falsely claiming U.S. citizenship to a border officer. He has been living in Manville, New Jersey, and is currently held at an ICE detention facility in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the man will be deported after he faces justice for the crash.
The driver already faces a pending federal criminal case. He was released on bail after an initial court appearance on Aug. 10, but was re‑arrested after ICE officials determined his immigration violation. Prosecutors allege he caused the deaths through misconduct or neglect.
Details of the crash
Coast Guard investigators report that Hernandez‑Umana was piloting a 21‑foot Yamaha AR210 with 14 passengers aboard—well beyond the vessel’s 10‑person capacity. The boat swamped and sank after making a U‑turn in choppy water more than three hours into the evening tour that began around 7 p.m.
Investigators say the driver was not licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard and was unaware of basic safety rules. He told the mother that she needed to hold the infant herself for the duration of the trip, a violation of federal regulations that require life preservers for small children. The boat did not have any child life preservers on board.
Company involvement
The tour was organized by Zeus Luxury Rental Inc., a company that advertises its services on Instagram and TikTok. The firm has previously been linked to a charter boat fire on Long Island Sound during a birthday cruise last year. In the criminal complaint, Hernandez‑Umana claimed he had worked for Zeus Luxury on a freelance basis since the previous year, initially as a limousine driver, and that he used a friend’s boat on Aug. 8 because his own vessel required repairs.
Attempts to contact Zeus Luxury for comment were unsuccessful; the company’s voicemail was reported full.
Legal proceedings
Hernandez‑Umana appeared in court on Aug. 10 without entering a plea. He arrived wearing the same T‑shirt, swim trunks, and water shoes he had on during the ill‑fated voyage, wiping his eyes as he entered the courtroom. He is scheduled to appear again on Sept. 9.
A lawyer for the driver, Amy Gallicchio, has not provided a statement at this time.
Impact on the community
The tragedy has raised concerns among local families about the safety of unlicensed boat operators and the enforcement of immigration laws that allow illegal immigrants to work in public‑facing roles. Parents and community leaders are calling for stricter oversight of charter services and for immigration officials to prioritize the removal of individuals who violate federal safety regulations.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
