ICE alleges 21-year-old Darwin Felipe Bahamon Martinez, who entered the U.S. near Chula Vista in August 2023 and was released, caused a fatal crash during a police chase on Jan. 21 in Southern California. The collision in Placentia killed a 59-year-old man and left an 83-year-old woman with minor injuries. Martinez is held in Orange County Jail on a homicide charge; ICE lodged a detainer on Jan. 22, renewing debate over sanctuary laws and "catch-and-release" policies.
ICE: Immigrant Released Under 'Catch-and-Release' Policies Accused Of Causing Fatal Crash During California Police Chase
California school board members believe there is a lot of "fearmongering" happening over immigration enforcement as teachers unions and major city school districts are scolding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.(Getty Images)
Federal immigration officials say 21-year-old Darwin Felipe Bahamon Martinez — who was apprehended after entering the United States near Chula Vista in August 2023 and later released — is accused of causing a fatal crash during a police pursuit in Southern California on Jan. 21.
What Happened
According to law enforcement, officers in Anaheim attempted a traffic stop for reckless driving after spotting a Jeep Gladiator driven by Martinez. When officers approached the vehicle on foot, Martinez allegedly sped away. A short pursuit ended when the Jeep collided with a Honda in the neighboring city of Placentia.
The Honda's driver, a 59-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene. An 83-year-old woman who was also involved in the crash was taken to a hospital and treated for minor injuries.
"Bahamon Martinez illegally entered the U.S. near Chula Vista, California, in August 2023," the Los Angeles field office of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said. "He was released into the U.S. under the Biden administration’s so-called 'catch-and-release' policies, but if that hadn’t happened, the innocent 59-year-old driver he allegedly killed may still be alive today."
Legal Status And Detainer
Martinez is being held at the Orange County Jail pending criminal proceedings on a homicide charge. ICE says it lodged an immigration detainer against him on Jan. 22.
Under California's sanctuary laws, local authorities are generally not required to honor ICE detainer requests solely on the basis of immigration status. ICE criticized state policies in a news release, warning that releasing Martinez would endanger the community and saying federal officers would have to re-arrest him if he were returned to the public.
Broader Context
The agency noted that in jurisdictions with sanctuary protections, ICE often must seek targets inside communities rather than relying on local cooperation. The statement referenced broader tensions between federal immigration officers and some local governments, where officials have accused ICE of aggressive tactics and ICE has called for greater cooperation.
This case has re‑ignited debate over so‑called "catch-and-release" policies and the balance between local sanctuary protections and federal immigration enforcement. Supporters of sanctuary laws argue they preserve community trust and public safety; critics contend the policies can allow dangerous individuals to remain free.
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