Story perspectives

Illegal Immigrant Charged in DUI Deaths of Two Children

4/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Eri Otoniel Roblero-Perez, an illegal immigrant, is accused in Spartanburg, South Carolina, of DUI that killed 12-year-old Dereon James Robins and 9-year-old Mikhail-Lee Smith.
He faces felony DUI resulting in death and other charges and is held without bond.
Family members expressed grief and called for accountability.
Senator Tim Scott tied the case to border security concerns and current immigration policies.
Roblero-Perez's next court appearance is scheduled for June 18.

History

Historical Context

The Immigration Act of 1924, also known as the Johnson-Reed Act, drastically limited immigration to the U.S., reducing entries from countries like Mexico by 98%. This law, rooted in eugenics and aimed at preserving U.S. homogeneity, established quotas that shaped immigration policy until 1965. Today, incidents like the DUI involving Eri Otoniel Roblero-Perez reignite debates on immigration and border security, as highlighted by Senator Tim Scott.

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Story summary

Eri Otoniel Roblero-Perez, an illegal immigrant, is accused in Spartanburg, South Carolina, of DUI that killed 12-year-old Dereon James Robins and 9-year-old Mikhail-Lee Smith.
He faces felony DUI resulting in death and other charges and is held without bond.
Family members expressed grief and called for accountability.
Senator Tim Scott tied the case to border security concerns and current immigration policies.
Roblero-Perez's next court appearance is scheduled for June 18.

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