ICE lays claim to Ukrainian driver accused in fatal crash

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is taking steps to ensure a Ukrainian-born truck driver whose collision with motorcyclists in New Hampshire left seven dead remains in custody even if his criminal case were dismissed.

Twenty-three-year-old Volodymyr Zhukovskyy is being held without bail in Coos County jail. He pleaded not guilty Tuesday to negligent homicide in Friday’s crash .

Zhukovskyy’s father told the Boston Herald that his son is a Ukrainian citizen with permanent U.S. resident status.

Jail Superintendent Ben Champagne said ICE placed a detainer on Zhukovskyy on Tuesday. A detainer means Zhukovskyy would be turned over to ICE for possible deportation after the criminal proceedings including a jail sentence are completed.

A spokespreson for ICE confirmed that a detainer was issued. A message was left for Zhukovskyy’s public defender seeking comment.