The family of three-year-old Maddie Hines, who was killed by an illegal immigrant in October, is fighting to prevent similar tragedies by seeking change at the highest levels of government. Maddie’s godfather, Republican state Rep. Stewart Jones, is running for Congress with the goal of fixing the border crisis and deporting illegal immigrants. Maddie’s mother, Chelsey, supports Jones’ campaign and credits God for providing her family with peace after the tragedy. Jones has a long-standing relationship with the Hines family and is committed to taking action to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
Chelsey recounted the events of the day of the crash, describing how Maddie expressed her love right before their vehicle was struck, resulting in her death. She praised Jones for his support and dedication, stating that he has gone above and beyond for her family. Chelsey described feeling God’s presence during the tragedy and expressed confidence in Jones’ ability to make a difference in Congress. Jones, if elected, plans to work on deporting all illegal immigrants in the U.S. and ending programs that incentivize illegal activity, as well as completing the border wall and collaborating with local law enforcement to identify and deport those who are here illegally.
The man responsible for Maddie’s death, Gabriel Arteaga, was charged with reckless homicide and driving without a license. The judge overseeing the case revoked his bail after being informed that ICE was seeking to take him into custody. Chelsey and Jones criticized the situation at the southern border that led to Maddie’s death and called attention to other similar stories that often go untold. They also denounced politicians who downplay the severity of the border crisis and emphasized the need for action to prevent further tragedies.
Jones is running in a crowded GOP primary, with the winner likely to become the next representative for the district that leans heavily Republican. Chelsey believes that Jones’ integrity and character make him the best candidate for the position, and she has given him her approval to use Maddie’s story to advocate for change. Despite the tragic loss of Maddie, Chelsey sees her legacy as a way to continue fighting for a safer future. The primary is scheduled for June 11, and if no candidate receives a majority, a runoff will be held on June 25. Jones is committed to making a difference and ensuring that tragedies like Maddie’s death are prevented in the future.
