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U.S. Congressman Chris Smith Representing New Jersey's 4th District

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In the Press...

New York Post article featuring Smith commentary'Unlicensed, illegal migrant drove car that killed baby in NJ parking lot: officials'

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Washington, Sep 5, 2026 | comments
  • New York Post

By Adry Torres
Published September 5, 2026 at 12:06 p.m. ET

             The unlicensed driver who crashed into a New Jersey family in a grocery store parking lot — killing a 9-month-old boy and injuring his mother and sister — and the car’s owner are both illegal immigrants who ICE is now seeking to deport, officials said.

             María Cobon-Guzmán, 20, a Guatemalan national living in Trenton, was charged Tuesday with five counts including manslaughter after she struck and killed Yitzchok Rosenberg on Aug. 28, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office. She has never held a driver’s license, investigators said.

             Ariadna Lazaro-Flores, 22, a Mexican national living in Toms River, was charged with knowingly creating a substantial risk of death for letting Cobon-Guzmán drive.

             Ocean County Jail records show US Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainers filed against both women. Judge Kimarie Rahill denied them both bail.

Mugshot of Maria CobonGuzman.
ICE seeks the custody of María Cobon-Guzmán, who was operating a car without a license at a supermarket parking lot in Jackson, New Jersey on Aug. 28 when she struck and killed a nine-month-old and injured his mother and sister. Ocean County Jail

             Cobon-Guzmán was behind the wheel of a Ford Fusion when she slammed into Golda Chana, who was pushing Yitzchok in a stroller, and her 5-year-old daughter, according to VIN News.

             All three victims were transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where Yitzchok died.

             A Department of Homeland Security official told Fox News Digital that Cobon-Guzmán and Lazaro-Flores crossed the US-Mexico border illegally during the Biden administration.

             Lazaro-Flores did so on five occasions in October 2023 and was removed from the country each time.

             The DHS official said that Cobon-Guzmán entered the US once and was released, but an immigration judge approved a deportation order July 31.

Mugshot of Ariadna Lazaro-Flores.
ICE is seeking the deportation of Ariadna Lazaro-Flores, an undocumented immigrant from Mexico, in connection to the death of a nine-month-old boy who was struck by a vehicle driven by her friend, María Cobon-Guzmán. Ocean County Jail

             Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) told Fold News Digital he has called for the removal of the Garden State’s sanctuary status that would permit state and local enforcement agencies to work with federal immigration departments.

             The congressman noted that Lazaro-Flores was able to secure a driver’s license despite her status as an illegal immigrant.

             “That is shocking,” he said.

This article was published on September 5, 2026 and can be found online at: https://nypost.com/2026/09/05/us-news/illegal-immigrant-was-driving-car-that-killed-nj-baby-officials-say/

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