California Governor and DHS Clash Over Immigration Case
The office of California Governor Gavin Newsom is in a back-and-forth with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding the state’s handling of an undocumented immigrant involved in the death of an 11-year-old boy. DHS highlighted that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has detained a suspect who was previously rejected by California.
Recently, ICE revealed it filed an immigration complaint against Hector Balderas Ajirol, a 44-year-old Mexican national. He was arrested for suspicion of felony hit-and-run in connection to the death of 11-year-old Aiden Antonio Torres de Paz just before Thanksgiving. The DHS stated that California’s status as a sanctuary state means the state does not comply with requests for detainees arrested.
In response, Newsom’s office labeled these claims as “absolutely false.” They asserted that the state collaborates with ICE to deport convicted criminals. “California respects federal criminal warrants,” they continued, emphasizing there is nothing hindering federal action in this case.
However, about an hour later, DHS retorted via Twitter, accusing the governor’s office of “playing with words to keep illegal alien killers in America.” They underscored that California has declined to allow ICE to take custody of an undocumented individual accused of taking the life of the boy. According to DHS, Newsom has stated cooperation with ICE is contingent upon a conviction, which they suggest essentially allows the individual to remain free following the felony arrest.
DHS also shared a cropped image of an immigration detainee who had been denied intervention on similar grounds, mentioning that while he lacks a previous criminal record, current charges might lead to valid ICE action if he’s found guilty.
Responding to DHS’s latest statements, a spokesperson for Newsom reiterated that the federal government can still hold undocumented individuals accountable for crimes like hit-and-runs. “This driver must face consequences for this tragic incident. Federal authorities are not impeded from performing their responsibilities here,” the spokesperson asserted. They pointed out that illegally re-entering the U.S. after deportation is indeed a federal offense, and California acknowledges federal warrants. The spokesperson noted that a failure to arrest suspects previously does not prevent future actions under the law.
Reports indicate that before Balderas-Ajirol’s recent arrest, he had already been deported from the U.S. four times and had a fifth felony charge for illegal entry.
Local law enforcement responded to a call around 5 p.m. on November 26, regarding a young boy who had been struck by a vehicle. Authorities stated that the driver hit DePaz in his driveway as he went outside for a soccer ball and then fled the scene.
DePaz was taken to Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, where he ultimately passed away from his injuries on Thanksgiving morning.
DHS did not respond to requests for comment from news outlets.
