In a heartbreaking incident that highlights the grim realities surrounding illegal immigration and irresponsible behavior, a seven-year-old girl named Ivory Smith tragically lost her life in a drunk driving accident in Houston, Texas. Ivory was riding in the backseat of her mother’s vehicle when a 41-year-old Venezuelan illegal immigrant, who was driving under the influence, T-boned them at an intersection. It is a shameful reminder of how the consequences of lax immigration enforcement can lead to horrific outcomes for innocent families.
Ivory was a bright second grader who brought joy to those around her. Sadly, her family’s world has now been shattered. The driver responsible for her death had a criminal history that should have kept him from being on the roads. Just two months prior to this tragic event, he was released from jail after serving time for felony assault. What does it say about our justice system when individuals with such backgrounds are allowed to roam freely and endanger others? The fact that this illegal immigrant was allowed to remain in the country, despite a history of violence and disregard for the law, is a glaring failure that needs to be addressed.
In the wake of this tragedy, the GoFundMe for Ivory’s family struggles to reach even a fraction of the support provided to other high-profile cases involving the deaths of less innocent individuals. While large sums are readily raised for controversial figures in the community, such as Jordan Neely, the outpouring of support for Ivory has been paltry. As of now, the GoFundMe has barely surpassed $57,000. This stark contrast showcases a shocking hypocrisy in how certain lives are valued over others based on their circumstances, further fueled by media narrative and public opinion.
It’s crucial to emphasize the need for accountability, not just for the individual responsible for this tragic accident but also for the policies that allowed him to be on our streets in the first place. The fact that this individual was given a $150,000 bond after causing such devastation shows just how lenient our judicial system can be. It raises serious questions about public safety when illegal immigrants can operate outside the law, knowing that there will be little to no real consequences for their actions. Ivory’s story needs to be told, not just to highlight the negligence of law enforcement, but to advocate for stricter immigration policies that prioritize the safety of American citizens.
Moreover, where are the so-called advocates and movements that profess to care about black lives? The lack of support for Ivory’s family stands in stark contrast to the resources funneled into efforts for those whose actions have contributed to chaos. This reflects a disheartening trend in our society where some lives are celebrated based solely on their narrative, while others are left in silence, forgotten in their grief.
Ivory’s family not only deserves our condolences but also our concrete support in these dark times. The costs associated with burying a child are astronomical and often unmanageable for families. As the mother recovers from the physical harm she suffered in the crash, the financial burden will only add to her emotional turmoil. It is time for every American who values true compassion and responsibility to step up and support this family. Everyone deserves to be remembered, and no young life should be extinguished without recognition of its full value.
