Mexican Migrant Deported 4 Times From U.S. Pleads Guilty in California For Killing 11-Year-Old Boy

On May 8, a Mexican migrant who had been deported from the United States four times pleaded guilty in a California hit-and-run case that killed an 11-year-old boy just before Thanksgiving last year. The case has triggered a political clash over California sanctuary laws and the state's handling of immigration enforcement.

The suspect was identified as 44-year-old Hector Amador Balderas. He pleaded guilty to felony hit-and-run causing death in connection with a crash that killed Aiden Antonio Torres De Paz in Escondido, near San Diego, on Nov. 26, 2025.

Investigators said Aiden ran into the street to retrieve a soccer ball near East Washington Avenue and Hickory Street at about 5 p.m. when Balderas allegedly struck him with his vehicle.

Authorities said Balderas drove away immediately instead of stopping to help the boy.

The child was taken to Rady Children’s Hospital, where he died on Thanksgiving. Aiden’s mother, Maria de Paz, recalled the moments after the crash while speaking to NBC 7 San Diego.

She said, “People came to help me, but no one saw anything. The car just fled. They hit him and didn’t stop.”

Authorities said Balderas turned himself in to police several days later. Records show he remains in custody without bail and is expected to receive between two and three years in state prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced next month.

A federal official said Balderas had been deported from the United States four times before allegedly returning illegally.

Records released by the Department of Homeland Security listed removals on March 19, 2004; June 10, 2004; June 15, 2004; and March 4, 2010.

The case has since drawn national attention after Immigration and Customs Enforcement issued a detainer request following Balderas’ arrest. Amid ongoing debates over immigration enforcement and deportation policy, the case has become a topic of wider public discussion.

“On November 29, 2025, a department of Homeland Security immigration, detain notice of action was received for Hector Balderas-Aheelor,” Sheriff David Collins said.

“In accordance with California Government court 7282.5, a review of the criminal history was conducted and the immigration retainer was rejected.

Former DHS assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin sharply criticised California leaders after the plea.

“Hector Balderas-Aheelor was previously removed FOUR times before he chose to commit a felony and illegally re-enter the country a fifth time,” she said. “Gavin Newsom, we are calling on YOU to do the right things and honor ICE’s arrest detainer.”

California Governor Gavin Newsom has rejected the accusations. He denied accusations, calling them a “complete lie.”

He also said that nothing prohibits the federal government from doing its job in this case.