An undocumented immigrant is currently in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody following a fatal hit-and-run incident that resulted in the death of a Fort Bend County, Texas, sheriff’s deputy last month.
The deputy, identified as Kenneth Lewis, was struck on February 21 while assisting motorists on Interstate 10. According to authorities, Lewis had stopped to help drivers involved in a minor crash when he was hit by a passing vehicle. He was in uniform at the time of the incident and was taken to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Investigators say the driver responsible for the crash fled the scene immediately, prompting a search involving multiple law enforcement agencies. Local authorities worked alongside federal investigators, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, to identify and locate the suspect.
On March 14, ICE agents arrested Dennis Arguello-Acosta in connection with the case. Officials stated that he was taken into custody to ensure he remains detained while the investigation continues and as legal proceedings move forward. Authorities indicated that he may face state criminal charges related to the incident.
In a statement, Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Lauren Bis said Deputy Lewis had served his community with dedication and noted that the suspect’s detention is intended to protect public safety. ICE officials also emphasized that individuals accused of serious crimes will be held accountable under existing enforcement policies.
The case has drawn attention amid ongoing national discussions about immigration enforcement and border security. It also comes as policymakers and analysts review recent data regarding immigration patterns and visa approvals.
According to data cited from the U.S. State Department, there has been a decline in the number of visas issued in 2025 compared with the same period in 2024. From January through August, approvals for both permanent residency and temporary visas fell by approximately 11 percent.
Some observers attribute the decline to increased security screening measures and travel restrictions affecting certain regions. Rosemary Jenks, founder of the Immigration Accountability Project, said the reduction appears to be linked to stricter vetting processes rather than a broader effort to significantly reduce overall immigration levels.
Jenks also noted that while some categories of immigration have decreased, the number of temporary foreign workers entering the United States has not seen the same level of decline. These workers are often employed through programs designed to address labor shortages in various industries.
Data analyzed by The Washington Post shows additional shifts in immigration trends. Applications from foreign students seeking work permits have decreased, and participation in J-1 cultural exchange programs has also declined. Similarly, fewer individuals have obtained permanent residency through family-based immigration pathways or diversity visa programs.
Despite these reductions, temporary worker programs continue to bring a substantial number of foreign nationals into the country. While most are expected to return to their home countries after their authorized stay ends, some remain in the United States either by extending their legal status or by staying without authorization.
The case involving Deputy Lewis highlights the intersection of immigration policy and public safety concerns, which remain central issues in national political debate. Officials have not yet released full details regarding the specific charges Arguello-Acosta may face, and the investigation into the incident is still ongoing.
Authorities have indicated that additional information may be made public as the legal process continues. For now, the suspect remains in ICE custody while both federal and state officials coordinate on the next steps in the case.
