U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has lodged an immigration detainer with the San Diego Sheriff’s Office for Hector Balderas-Aheelor, a Mexican national, following his arrest in connection with a fatal hit-and-run incident in Escondido, California. The incident occurred on November 26, 2025, when 11-year-old Aiden Antonio Torres De Paz was struck by a vehicle while retrieving a soccer ball outside his home. The driver fled the scene, and Aiden died from his injuries the next day.
Hector Balderas-Aheelor was apprehended by police after the incident. ICE stated that Balderas-Aheelor had previously been removed from the United States four times before re-entering illegally. Because California is designated as a sanctuary state, ICE expressed concern that their detainer may not be honored by local authorities.
“Thanksgiving should be a day of celebrating family and giving gratitude, but instead the family of Aiden Antonio Torres De Paz mourned this beautiful child’s death because a criminal illegal alien stole his life. Now, sanctuary laws threaten to put this killer back onto California’s streets,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Hector Balderas-Aheelor was previously removed FOUR times before he chose to commit a felony and illegally re-enter the country a fifth time. Gavin Newsom, we are calling on YOU to do the right thing and honor ICE’s arrest detainer.”
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) emphasized its commitment to removing individuals convicted of violent crimes from U.S. communities despite state-level sanctuary policies. DHS noted ongoing efforts under President Trump and Secretary Noem to enforce federal immigration law.
Support services for victims of crimes committed by undocumented immigrants are available through the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) Office at 1-855-488-6423.
