Elderly lawman dies in violent altercation with young illegal immigrant.

Florida Lawman Dies After Violent Struggle with Illegal Immigrant

A 52-year-old veteran law enforcement officer, Sgt. Michael Kunovich, lost his life in a violent struggle with an 18-year-old illegal immigrant, Vergilio Aguilar Mendez, in Florida. The incident occurred on May 19, 2023, when Kunovich encountered Mendez near a closed motel. According to reports, Mendez resisted arrest and attempted to escape, leading to a physical altercation with Kunovich. Despite using a taser, Kunovich was unable to subdue Mendez, who even tried to take the weapon from the sergeant. Tragically, Kunovich suffered a fatal heart attack during the struggle and passed away soon after.

After a sustained fight with a suspect Sgt. Michael Kunovich suffered a fatal heart attack. His life mattered. https://t.co/wQHtZlLQv5 pic.twitter.com/4h2VjpGkru

— Betsy Brantner Smith (@sgtbetsysmith) May 22, 2023

Mendez, who was living in the United States illegally, is now facing charges of murder and resisting arrest. He has also been issued a detainer by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Mendez claims that he resisted arrest because he feared being deported back to his home country of Guatemala.

Illegal Immigration and Crime

Kunovich’s death is not an isolated incident. Illegal immigrants have been involved in several heinous crimes in recent times. In Texas, an illegal immigrant, Francisco Oropesa, who had been deported multiple times, allegedly killed five people, including an 8-year-old child. In another incident, a truck full of illegal immigrants hit a car, killing a 7-year-old and her grandmother. Eleven of the truck’s passengers also died in the accident.

Illegal immigration not only poses a threat to the safety and security of American citizens but also leaves the immigrants themselves vulnerable to drug cartels and human smugglers. The current influx of illegal immigrants crossing into the country is happening because many believe the border to be “open” under President Joe Biden.

Honoring Sgt. Michael Kunovich

Sgt. Michael Kunovich’s death has left a deep impact on his family, friends, and colleagues. At his funeral, fellow law enforcement officers, family, and friends gathered to pay their respects. Kunovich’s two sons were given their father’s service badge and folded flags. Michael Kunovich, one of his sons, said at the funeral, “Dad, your shift was over way too soon. Go rest high on the mountain, be our guardian angel and guide Max and I to serve like you did. I will always love you.”

While we hope to see a return to respect for the law as a cherished American value, we must never forget the sacrifices made by those who held the line during times of chaos.

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