Fatal Crash in San Diego Involving Undocumented Immigrant
LOS ANGELES — A 25-year-old undocumented immigrant with a prior record of drunk driving is in custody, suspected of causing a head-on collision in San Diego that resulted in the death of an 8-year-old girl and injuries to several other individuals, according to authorities.
Brayan Alba Rodríguez, originally from Guatemala, was reportedly intoxicated while driving a Toyota Tacoma on San Felipe Avenue when he crossed over a double yellow line, striking a Toyota Camry. This was first reported by local news sources.
Following the collision, Alba Rodríguez’s truck collided with a Ford F-350 equipped with a utility trailer moving in the opposite direction, leading to his vehicle overturning and catching fire, as detailed by the California Highway Patrol.
Alba Rodríguez and a passenger managed to exit the vehicle, but both sustained injuries and required hospitalization.
A total of seven individuals suffered injuries from the accident. Among them, three children were in the back seat of the Camry: two boys, aged 4 and 5, and the 8-year-old girl, who tragically did not survive.
Arrested by the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department on Thursday, Alba Rodríguez faces serious charges including first-degree murder, two counts of felony vehicular manslaughter, and additional charges related to driving under the influence and causing harm to others in the accident.
This individual, who is recorded in county booking documents as “Brayan Rodriguez Alba,” has a prior history of drunk driving arrests, including one on September 6, 2020, and another in Vista on April 7, 2021, which also involved a hit-and-run charge, according to officials from Homeland Security.
It’s currently unclear when Alba Rodríguez entered the United States.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement has submitted a detainer request for his eventual deportation. However, a similar request was denied concerning another case involving a Mexican immigrant accused of fatally striking an 11-year-old boy in a hit-and-run incident.
A spokesperson mentioned that California’s “sanctuary” laws limit the state’s cooperation with ICE in deportation matters related to individuals like Hector Balderas-Ahiller, who has no criminal record.
In a separate incident on November 26, 11-year-old Aiden Antonio Torres de Paz was killed while chasing a soccer ball when he was allegedly hit by Balderas-Ahiller, who was reportedly speeding.
The boy later died at a nearby hospital on Thanksgiving Day. His family has expressed condolences, and a wake was held in their local community.
Balderas-Ahiller, who faces a bail of $300,000, has been deported four times since 2004. During his arraignment, prosecutors labeled him a flight risk and referred to him as a “transient resident.”
Deputy District Attorney Nicole Gerard commented on the situation, describing it as a tragedy and expressing their efforts to ensure justice for Aiden’s family.
In response to the developments surrounding Alba Rodríguez, the San Diego Sheriff’s Office has been approached for comments on his ICE detainer status.
“How many children must suffer at the hands of such individuals?” questioned DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. She emphasized the ongoing concern over the safety of American families and criticized the repeated offenses of drunk driving that should have kept Alba Rodríguez off California roads.
While expressing condolences for the grieving family, she reinforced calls for California’s governor to address the policy regarding ICE detainers in this situation.
Newsom’s office responded post-arrest, clarifying that federal authorities retain the ability to handle the case independently.
