Honduras Takes Step Toward Extraditing Suspect in 2016 Iowa Fatal Crash

The Honduran government has initiated extradition proceedings for Eswin Mejia, an undocumented immigrant linked to a fatal crash in Iowa, highlighting cooperation with the U.S. under the Trump administration.

The government of Honduras has reported that it is moving forward with the extradition process of Eswin Mejia, an undocumented immigrant accused of killing a young woman in Iowa in early 2016. This case gained national attention when then-candidate Donald Trump used it to spotlight immigration issues during his presidential campaign.

Mejia is alleged to have been driving under the influence when he collided with Sarah Root's vehicle at a stoplight in Omaha, resulting in her death. Following the incident, he was detained but was subsequently released on bond, after which he fled the United States. His recent arrest occurred approximately 125 miles northwest of Tegucigalpa, the Honduran capital, where he appeared before a Supreme Court judge.

Enrique Reina, Honduras's foreign minister, stated that Mejia's case is currently being processed through the judiciary system, with the Supreme Court ordering his arrest. A judge is responsible for determining whether the U.S. extradition request will be granted. Reina added that since President Xiomara Castro took office in 2022, Honduras has received more than 50 extradition requests from the United States, reflecting the country's commitment to enhance collaboration with U.S. authorities.