U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has issued an immigration detainer for Julio Cesar Herrera Gonzalez, a Honduran national, following a fatal car crash in Nashville on August 10, 2025. Authorities say Herrera Gonzalez was driving under the influence when he crossed into oncoming traffic in a Maserati SQ4 at 3:25 a.m., colliding with a Nissan Rogue. The crash resulted in the death of passenger Raquel Lorena Sarabia Barajas at the scene, while her husband, Marco Antonio Baez Del Angel—the driver—was hospitalized and remains in critical condition.
The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department reported that Herrera Gonzalez showed signs of impairment after the incident. He now faces charges including vehicular manslaughter, vehicular assault, DUI, and driving without a license.
“Herrera Gonzalez drove drunk and killed Raquel Lorena Sarabia Barajas and left her husband Marco Antonio Baez Del Angel fighting for his life. ICE issued an arrest detainer to ensure this criminal illegal alien is not released back into American communities,” said a Senior DHS Official. “It seems to be almost a daily occurrence where an illegal alien driving kills innocent Americans. All of these deaths are preventable because these illegal aliens should have NEVER been in our country. President Trump and Secretary Noem will continue to stand with the victims of illegal alien crime and their families.”
According to federal records, Herrera Gonzalez was granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) in 2008; however, his TPS was revoked in 2015 due to prior criminal activity, including a conviction for vandalism.
This case is among several recent incidents involving non-citizens charged with serious traffic offenses resulting in fatalities or injuries across the United States this month. Other cases include arrests following fatal crashes in Maine (https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/08/21/following-fatal-car-crashes-maine-ice-arrests-two-illegal-aliens), Florida (https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/08/18/criminal-illegal-alien-recklessly-driving-18-wheeler-kills-three-florida), Wisconsin (https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/08/15/ice-arrests-illegal-alien-who-killed-two-highschool-sweethearts-drunk-driving-car), Pennsylvania (https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/08/09/fatal-hit-and-run-pa-ice-nabs-illegal-alien-guatemala-who-suspected-killing-61-year-old), Illinois (https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/08/08/dhs-releases-video-honoring-illinois-woman-katie-abraham-who-was-killed-illegal-alien-charged-dui-hit-and-run), and Louisiana (https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/08/07/criminal-illegal-alien-charged-driving-while-intoxicated-kills-lawn-mower-operator-louisiana).
DHS officials state that law enforcement continues efforts to protect communities from similar incidents nationwide. The Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) Office offers support services for those affected by crimes committed by non-citizens.
