Charges Filed in Tragic Hit-and-Run Incident

Hector Balderas-Aheelor, a Mexican national living in the U.S. illegally, is facing serious charges for a hit-and-run accident that resulted in injury and death.

On November 26, just before Thanksgiving, Aiden Antonio Torres De Paz, an 11-year-old boy, was crossing the road in Escondido, California, to retrieve his soccer ball when he was struck by a vehicle.

Authorities reported that Balderas-Aheelor was behind the wheel and fled the scene after hitting Aiden, who unfortunately succumbed to his injuries on Thanksgiving at Rady Children’s Hospital.

Aiden’s mother, María de Paz, rushed outside after hearing the crash and found her son unconscious on the ground.

“People came to assist, but no one witnessed the incident,” she recounted. “The car just took off. They hit him and didn’t stop.”

Neighbor Irene Gonzalez shared her heartbreak, saying, “Thanksgiving feels different this year for the family. It’s tough to express gratitude under these circumstances. We’re thankful that Aiden’s suffering has ended — knowing he is in a better place is a small comfort.”

While it’s unclear how fast Balderas-Aheelor was driving, the speed limit in that area is 35 miles per hour.

“Thanksgiving should bring families together in gratitude, but for Aiden’s family, it became a time of mourning due to a senseless act by a criminal immigrant,” stated Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). “This man has been deported four times before re-entering the country illegally. We urge Governor Gavin Newsom to act and support ICE’s request for detainment.”

On November 29, DHS issued an immigration detainer for Balderas-Aheelor. However, according to Lt. David Collins of the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, their request was denied after reviewing his criminal background.

Baldaras-Aheelor currently remains detained on a $100,000 bond at the Rock Mountain Detention Facility in San Diego. His deportations occurred on multiple dates, with the last one in March 2010, as documented by DHS.

“Unlawfully returning to the U.S. after being deported is a federal offense, and California does respect federal warrants,” a spokesperson for Governor Newsom remarked. “While the federal government acknowledges their failure to catch him earlier, state law still allows for action now.”

Balderas-Aheelor’s arraignment is set for Wednesday at the North Division Court.

There are concerns from DHS that the immigration detainer might not be honored by local authorities.