Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs | https://www.dhs.gov/
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has provided details about the arrest of Beto Cerillo-Bialva, a Mexican national who was taken into custody on September 7, 2025. Cerillo-Bialva faces murder charges after allegedly driving under the influence and crashing his vehicle into a tree, resulting in the deaths of six passengers and severe injury to another individual.
According to DHS, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had previously issued an arrest detainer following Cerillo-Bialva's third DUI arrest in 2024. The detainer requested that local California authorities notify ICE before releasing him. However, state officials did not honor this request.
Cerillo-Bialva has reportedly been deported from the United States seven times and has a criminal record that includes possession of cocaine, three DUI offenses, driving without a license, and violating a restraining order related to domestic abuse.
“This serial criminal killed six innocent souls. Governor Newsom has blood on his hands. This serial criminal should have never been released by California authorities,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Sanctuary policies protect the WORST OF THE WORST criminal illegal aliens. ICE will do everything in our power to remove this serial drunk driver, abuser, and drug user from our country.”
DHS stated that its law enforcement personnel continue efforts to protect communities from similar incidents. The agency also noted that victims of crimes committed by undocumented immigrants can seek assistance through the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) Office by calling 1-855-488-6423.
