A tragic event in North Carolina’s 1st congressional district has brought the issue of immigration into sharp focus. The district, covering 25 counties and located over 2,000 miles from the Mexican border, was affected by the death of a 6-year-old girl. This incident allegedly involved a repeat deportee with a history of drunk driving.
The first congressional district in North Carolina, often among the poorest in the nation by poverty rate, typically discusses economic issues. Recently, the death of young Calli Toler changed the narrative. The accident occurred near Vanceboro when Jaime Santiago Corona, a Mexican national, reportedly ran a stop sign, causing a crash that took the child’s life near the district boundary.
Lauri Buckhout, a retired Iraq War battalion commander and a Republican candidate, highlighted the increasing frequency of local immigration-related issues, citing past incidents involving drug dealers and individuals linked to terrorism.
“It has continued because, under the Biden administration with Don Davis’ oversight, you allowed so many illegals in the country,”
Buckhout mentioned regarding the impact of national policies on local safety and security.
Democratic Rep. Don Davis, a retired military officer, responded by expressing his support for the Laken Riley Act. He emphasized the need for strict enforcement of federal immigration laws to maintain safety in North Carolina communities.
As per the Department of Homeland Security, Corona had been deported in 2019, 2023, and 2024. He managed to illegally re-enter the country before the crash, despite previous convictions, including those related to driving under the influence.
Pitt County officials, holding Corona in custody, plan to work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). ICE has played a role in apprehending individuals involved in criminal cases, like Jose Valdez-Masias on homicide charges, and Josue Cano-Landero on charges of child-related offenses.
Buckhout supports deploying more resources and technology at the border, citing former President Donald Trump’s policies and the Department of Homeland Security’s mass deportation measures as reference points.
“We need to support them more… We need to let them safely do their jobs with every technology available,”
she added, focusing on enhancing safety and border security to protect American sovereignty.
Buckhout also drew connections between local economic conditions and national security. She emphasized the importance of job creation and industry revival in her district, historically known for tobacco and peanut farming and significant fishing areas.
In contrast, a spokesperson for Congressman Davis highlighted the positive impact of his ongoing efforts for Eastern North Carolina. These efforts include working to reopen a local hospital and providing resources, outlining a broader vision for the area.
By shifting the realm of debate and policy, both Buckhout and Davis continue to shape the conversation on how immigration intersects with local and national priorities.
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