A man accused of running a red light while drunk and killing an Oregon couple on a motorcycle is said to have been in the US without documentation.

Eduardo de la Lima Vargas, 39, of Hubbard, Oregon, was arrested and charged with two counts of manslaughter, driving under the influence, reckless driving and recklessly endangering another person, following an incident which occurred in Salem, Oregon, on August 19.

Authorities said that Vargas was driving a pickup truck and pulling a horse trailer when he ran a red light and hit couple Jessica and Logan Wilson, who were attempting to turn a street corner on their motorcycle.

Authorities said Eduardo de la Lima Vargas, 39, was intoxicated when he ran a red light, killing an Oregon couple on a motorcycle. ICE said that Vargas is in the US without documentation

The Wilsons were taken to the hospital where they were declared dead, the Statesmen Journal reported.

Police said Vargas' blood alcohol level was above the legal limit when he ran the red light, KGW8 reported.

United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement revealed that Vargas is from Mexico and has been living in the US without documentation. They put an immigration hold on him on August 23.

During his initial court appearance, prosecutors said that Vargas had received a DUI in 2001, but had been allowed to go into a diversion program instead of facing potential conviction and a criminal record.

At Vargas' court appearance Wednesday, his lawyer said that Vargas first arrived in the United States 18 years ago. He spent the intervening years living in the US, minus a six-year period during which he'd gone back to live in Jalisco, Mexico.

Logan and Jessica Wilson were riding a motorcycle, attempting to make a turn when they were hit by Vargas who was driving a pickup with a horse trailer attached to it

Logan and Jessica Wilson were declared dead at the hospital. They leave behind three children

Vargas was said to have been self-employed and working in construction with a friend, according to the AP.

Vargas waived his right to a speedy trial and the judge set his bail at $500,000, due to his being a danger to society and a flight risk.

Vargas is said to be one of the 943 foreign nationals in the Oregon Department of Corrections prisons system, all of who have ICE detainers.

ICE spokeswoman Carissa Cutrell told the AP that ICE 'only lodges detainers on individuals who are subject to removal, meaning these individuals violated the terms of their lawful status or are in the country illegally.'

Oregon has the oldest sanctuary state law in the US.

A GoFundMe was created to help provide for the Wilson's three children, although it is no longer accepting donations.