WASHINGTON — The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released chilling details about the arrest of Beto Cerillo-Bialva, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, charged with murder after a horrific drunken driving incident. The crash, which occurred on September 7, 2025, tragically killed six passengers and severely injured another when Cerillo-Bialva’s vehicle collided with a tree. Despite his long criminal history and multiple deportations, local authorities in California failed to honor an ICE detainer lodged by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), allowing the dangerous criminal to remain on the streets.
The Crime and Cerillo-Bialva’s Extensive Criminal History
Cerillo-Bialva, 34, had been deported from the United States seven times before the fatal crash. He has a criminal record that includes multiple Driving Under the Influence (DUI) arrests, including a third DUI arrest in 2024, but despite this, California authorities released him back into the community. After his third DUI arrest, ICE issued a detainer request, but California’s sanctuary policies prevented the authorities from notifying ICE, allowing Cerillo-Bialva to be freed.
In addition to his DUI offenses, Cerillo-Bialva has an extensive criminal history involving possession of cocaine, driving without a license, and violating a restraining order related to domestic abuse. Yet, due to California’s sanctuary policies, which prohibit local law enforcement from cooperating with ICE, Cerillo-Bialva remained at large and was free to commit his most deadly crime yet.
DHS and ICE React to the Tragedy
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin of DHS expressed outrage at the loss of innocent lives, specifically calling out Governor Gavin Newsom and California’s sanctuary policies for allowing dangerous criminals like Cerillo-Bialva to remain in the country. “This serial criminal killed six innocent souls. Governor Newsom has blood on his hands,” McLaughlin said. “This serial criminal should have never been released by California authorities.”
McLaughlin emphasized that sanctuary policies protect the WORST OF THE WORST criminal illegal aliens, referring to those with violent and repeated offenses. She further stated that ICE will do everything in our power to remove dangerous criminals like Cerillo-Bialva from the country, preventing further tragedies from occurring.
Support for Victims of Illegal Alien Crime
As the investigation continues, DHS law enforcement remains focused on protecting American communities and preventing future tragedies caused by illegal alien crime. Victims of such crimes, and their families, are encouraged to reach out to the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) Office, which offers support to those impacted by crimes committed by illegal immigrants.
For assistance, individuals can contact VOICE at 1-855-488-6423.
Closing Line
This story will be updated as more details are made available regarding the case and the ongoing investigation into Cerillo-Bialva’s deadly actions.
