The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) says a man it describes as a previously deported Mexican national has been charged with murder after a Sept. 7, 2025 crash that killed six passengers and seriously injured another when his vehicle struck a tree.
DHS identified the suspect as Beto Cerillo-Bialva, alleging he had been removed from the United States seven times and had prior arrests that include possession of cocaine, three DUI offenses, driving without a license, and violating a court-ordered restraining order in a domestic case.
According to DHS, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged an immigration detainer following Cerillo-Bialva’s third DUI arrest in 2024, requesting local authorities to notify ICE prior to release. DHS said California authorities did not honor that request.
“This serial criminal killed six innocent souls. Governor Newsom has blood on his hands. This serial criminal should have never been released by California authorities,” Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said, arguing that so-called sanctuary policies shield “the worst” offenders. She added that ICE “will do everything in our power” to remove the defendant if he is released from criminal custody.
California generally restricts local cooperation with civil immigration detainers absent a judicial warrant; DHS characterized the state’s approach as failing to protect public safety. (State and local officials did not immediately respond to the federal claims in the materials provided.)
Victim support: DHS said families affected by crimes involving non-citizens can seek assistance through the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) Office at 1-855-488-6423.
What’s next: Cerillo-Bialva faces murder and related charges in connection with the Sept. 7 crash. Court proceedings will determine guilt or innocence. ICE indicated it intends to take custody if the defendant is released from state custody at any point.
