U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers arrested Georgii Gabiev on June 9, 2026, in Brooklyn, New York, two years after he caused a fatal crash in Chippewa County, Minnesota.
According to a press release from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), semi-truck tractor driver Tim Tarnowski was hit by a pickup truck while driving on a rural road on March 5, 2024.
The pickup driver, Russian illegal alien Georgii Gabiev, failed to stop at a stop sign and collided with the semi-truck and grain trailer. Both vehicles were totaled in the accident, resulting in Tarnowski’s death. While several miles away, a state trooper could see a very large cloud of black smoke coming from the crash site, according to a criminal complaint.
Gabiev had been watching a YouTube video about learning English on his iPad at the time of the crash. He claimed to not have been looking at the device while driving.
Court records show that Gabiev later pleaded guilty to criminal vehicular homicide. He was sentenced to a year in prison, but his sentence was stayed for three years and he was placed on probation. He also received 180 days in local jail with credit for time served of 111 days.
“This illegal alien had no business being in our country and on our roadways,” DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said. “If it weren’t for the Biden administration’s open border policies, this tragedy would never have happened, and Tim would still be alive. This is our why. President Trump and I will never stop fighting for justice for Angel Families.”
Following his arrest in Brooklyn, ICE said Gabiev will remain in custody while removal proceedings are initiated.
Mullin also notified Tarnowski’s family about the arrest.
“Although Tim will never be brought back, Gabiev’s capture will bring the justice deserved,” said Tammy Tarnowski, Tim’s widow. “Our family now has closure and we can begin the healing process needed to move forward. Our hope is that this will bring light to Angel Families and will save others from going through the heartache we have endured.”
During Gabiev’s sentencing hearing, Tarnowski’s daughter Jaclyn Rude described the lasting impact of the crash on her family, including emotional and financial hardship. She said she received the news of her father’s death on his birthday.
“On March 5th, 2024, at 7:15 p.m., I received a phone call that would change my life,” she said. “I will never forget my mom’s voice when I answered that call. ‘Jackie, dad’s dead.’ I never got the chance to wish him a happy birthday that day and I never will again.”
Gabiev entered the country illegally through California in 2022. More than two years after the fatal crash, he was arrested by ICE earlier this month in Brooklyn and taken into federal custody.
Gabiev remains in ICE custody pending removal proceedings, through which he will be processed for deportation from the United States following immigration court hearings.
Rachael Van Rossum
Rachael Van Rossum is a journalist and author who studies political science in the Twin Cities. She previously interned with the Illinois House of Representatives and recently published her debut fantasy novel "The Hellburner of Sovi." Rachael is passionate about telling compelling stories and bringing to life the voices of political figures, athletes, and members of her community through engaging writing. She is the Alpha News journalism fellow for the summer of 2026.
