Seven-year-old killed by released immigrant months after ICE detention.

In north Houston, Joel Enrique Gonzalez Chacin, a Venezuelan migrant, killed a seven-year-old girl named Ivory Smith in a drunk driving accident just two and a half months after ICE released a hold against him, according to court documents.

Earlier this year, Chacin was placed on an ICE hold after being arrested for assaulting a family member in June, as reported by Fox 26 Houston.

The felony assault charge against Chacin was dropped to a misdemeanor, and after pleading guilty, he was sentenced to 113 days in jail, which he had already served, and was released the same day. Additionally, the ICE detainer against him was lifted that same day for an unknown reason.

ICE has not responded to Planet Chronicle Digital's inquiry about why the detainer against Chacin was lifted.

According to Planet Chronicle Digital, authorities confirmed that the 41-year-old migrant was under the influence when he crashed into Christina Smith and her daughter Ivory at 2:45 a.m. Police stated that Chacin took photos of the accident scene instead of assisting and then left the area. The victims were only a short distance from their homes.

Smith sustained severe injuries in the wreck and has since been discharged from the hospital. Chacin was arrested for intoxicated manslaughter and has been placed on a new ICE detainer.

"The family emphasized that no parent should endure the unbearable loss of a child, particularly under preventable circumstances, stating that the incident serves as a "stark reminder of the need for stronger accountability and justice to prevent further suffering for families like ours.""

"The family expressed their concerns about the individual being released after being detained earlier this year, only to be re-arrested for causing harm. They questioned the effectiveness of holds if dangerous individuals are not kept off the streets. The family also wondered how a system could allow such leniency, allowing a person with a record to walk free and re-offend."

The reckless actions of an individual who chose to drive under the influence resulted in the untimely death of Ivory, whose life was filled with innocence and joy.

"We will persist in seeking answers and pushing for change to prevent other families from suffering the same pain, loss, and injustice that we have endured," they stated. "Ivory's light and legacy deserve better, and her memory will inspire us as we strive for a safer future for all."

Sarah Rumpf-Whitten contributed to this report.