Federal authorities report that an undocumented immigrant, recently admitted to causing a hit-and-run in California that resulted in the death of an 11-year-old boy, has a troubling history—he’s been deported four times before. This incident has rekindled debates surrounding California’s sanctuary laws and the immigration policies of Governor Gavin Newsom.
Hector Amador Balderas, 44, entered a guilty plea for felony hit-and-run related to the tragic accident that occurred on November 26, 2025, in Escondido, a suburb of San Diego, just before Thanksgiving.
Balderas has, as stated by a federal official, been deported multiple times since 2004, with his latest illegal re-entry occurring in 2010. “This man has repeatedly chosen to return to the U.S. unlawfully after being removed, and we call on Governor Newsom to respect ICE’s authority,” urged DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.
On the day of the incident, Aiden Antonio Torres de Paz was retrieving a soccer ball from the street when he was struck by Balderas, who did not stop to help. The boy later succumbed to his injuries at Rady Children’s Hospital on Thanksgiving morning.
It took several days for authorities to track Balderas down after the crash, and he is now awaiting sentencing, potentially facing two to three years in prison. He remains in custody without bail.
The case has sparked political controversy, especially after Homeland Security revealed that it requested notification prior to Balderas’ release. However, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office denied the request based on the state’s sanctuary laws, specifically the California Values Act. “Our hands were tied,” said Sheriff’s Lt. David Collins, explaining that their system does not comply with federal immigration requests in such instances.
McLaughlin did not hold back in her criticism, suggesting that California’s policies compromise public safety. “Thanksgiving should be about gratitude, but instead, the family of Aiden is grieving a needless loss due to repeated criminal actions by undocumented individuals,” she asserted.
In contrast, Newsom’s office has rejected the allegations, asserting that California is compliant with federal warrants and that there are no barriers preventing the federal government from executing its duties.
Aiden’s mother, Maria de Paz, expressed her anguish following the incident, recounting the moment she found her son on the ground, noting that despite witnesses, no one could provide clarity about the hit-and-run. “The car didn’t stop,” she recalled, heartbreaking and confused.
