LOS ANGELES — A Mexican immigrant, previously deported four times, has been charged with the fatal hit-and-run of an 11-year-old boy in a San Diego suburb just before Thanksgiving.

The suspect, identified as Hector Balderas-Aherol, may face deportation again unless California’s “sanctuary policy” intervenes, according to Homeland Security officials.

On November 26, Aiden Antonio Torres de Paz was outside his home in Escondido, playing with a friend and chasing a soccer ball when he was allegedly struck by Balderas-Aherol. The suspect fled the scene at a high speed, as initially reported by NBC 7.

Aiden’s mother, Maria de Paz, heard the collision and rushed outside, only to find her son seriously injured and unconscious.

“People came to help me, but no one saw anything,” she recounted to a local NBC affiliate. “The car fled; it crashed and did not stop.”

His mother also expressed her love for him, saying, “He was such a friendly, loved child. I loved that little boy. He didn’t deserve this.”

Aiden unfortunately succumbed to his injuries at Rady Children’s Hospital on Thanksgiving morning, according to his family. A wake was held at the site of his tragic accident.

Eileen Gonzalez, a neighbor and friend, commented, “We’re not celebrating Thanksgiving the way we should. It’s hard to feel grateful. We’re thankful Aiden is no longer in pain, but it’s just not the same.”

The speed at which Balderas-Aherol was traveling when he allegedly hit Aiden remains uncertain, although the speed limit on East Washington Avenue is 35 mph.

DHS officials reported that Balderas-Aherol had no past criminal record.

Escondido police arrested him on November 29, charging him with felony hit-and-run resulting in bodily injury. He is currently held at Rock Mountain Detention Center in San Diego on a $100,000 bail.

Officials from Immigration and Customs Enforcement have noted concerns about how the detainee will be treated under California’s laws, which restrict local law enforcement from cooperating with federal agencies regarding deportations.

Balderas-Aherol had been deported multiple times between 2004 and 2010 before this incident, as confirmed by DHS officials along with a mugshot from his last detention.

Assistant Secretary of State Tricia McLaughlin expressed alarm over California’s sanctuary laws, stating, “These laws might allow this criminal to return to the streets, which is unacceptable.” She added, “Thanksgiving should be about family, but instead, the family of Aiden is mourning.”

In response, a spokesperson for Governor Gavin Newsom remarked, “The federal government is free to do its job. California respects federal criminal warrants, and nothing prevents federal actions in this instance.”

The arraignment for Balderas-Aherol is set for Wednesday, December 3, in Northern District Court.

Requests for comment from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office and Maria de Paz have gone unanswered.