Tragic Death of Honduran Man During Immigration Enforcement Operation in Virginia

The death of Josué Castro Rivera, a 24-year-old Honduran immigrant, has brought renewed attention to the risks and consequences of immigration enforcement operations in the United States. The tragic incident occurred in Norfolk, Virginia, when Castro Rivera attempted to flee from federal immigration agents and was fatally struck by a vehicle while crossing Interstate 264.

Incident Details and Timeline

According to official reports from both state and federal authorities, the events unfolded on Thursday, October 23, 2025. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers pulled over Castro Rivera's vehicle as part of what the Department of Homeland Security described as a targeted, intelligence-based operation. The vehicle was reportedly carrying Castro Rivera and three other passengers who were all detained for allegedly living in the country without legal permission.

When agents attempted to detain the individuals, Castro Rivera fled on foot toward Interstate 264. Virginia State Police responded to reports of a vehicle-pedestrian crash around 11 a.m. on eastbound I-264 at the Military Highway interchange. Police confirmed that Castro Rivera was struck by a 2002 Ford pickup truck and was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash remains under investigation by state authorities.

Background of the Deceased

Josué Castro Rivera had been living in the United States for approximately four years, according to his brother Henry Castro. Family members described him as having a good heart and working to support his family back in Honduras. At the time of the incident, Castro Rivera was reportedly on his way to a gardening job when his vehicle was stopped by ICE officers.

Henry Castro expressed profound grief over his brother's death, calling it an injustice and stating that he is raising funds to transport the body back to Honduras for funeral services. He emphasized that his brother didn't deserve what happened to him and remembered him as a hardworking individual dedicated to helping his family.

Official Responses and Controversies

The Department of Homeland Security issued a statement characterizing Castro Rivera's death as a direct result of his decision to flee from authorities. DHS officials stated that Castro Rivera resisted heavily before fleeing onto the highway. In their official communication, DHS blamed the tragedy on politicians, activists, and reporters who they claim spread propaganda and misinformation about ICE's mission and ways to avoid detention.

There was some confusion in initial reports regarding the victim's first name, with federal authorities and state police referring to him as Jose while family members confirmed his name was Josué. Neither DHS nor state police provided an explanation for this discrepancy in their public statements.

Broader Context and Similar Incidents

This tragic event occurs within a broader pattern of similar incidents during immigration enforcement operations. Recent months have seen several cases where immigrants have died during encounters with immigration authorities. In suburban Chicago last month, federal immigration agents fatally shot a Mexican man during a traffic stop. In July, a farmworker died after falling from a greenhouse roof during a chaotic ICE raid at a California cannabis facility. Another incident in August involved a man who ran onto a freeway in California while fleeing federal agents and was fatally struck by a vehicle.

These incidents have triggered protests, lawsuits, and calls for investigations amid claims that initial accounts from the administration may be misleading. The growing number of such tragedies has raised serious questions about enforcement methods and their consequences.

Conclusion

The death of Josué Castro Rivera represents another tragic outcome in the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement in the United States. While authorities emphasize the targeted nature of their operations and the consequences of resisting detention, family members and advocates point to the human cost of such enforcement actions. As investigations continue into both the immigration operation and the fatal crash, this incident underscores the complex and often dangerous realities faced by immigrants in enforcement situations. The case highlights the need for continued examination of enforcement protocols and their impact on immigrant communities across the country.