SANTA ANA, CA – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has filed an immigration detainer against a 21-year-old Colombian national accused of killing a 59-year-old motorist during a police pursuit in Orange County, authorities announced Thursday.
The suspect, identified as Darwin Felipe Bahamon Martinez, allegedly led Anaheim police on a high-speed chase earlier this month before crashing into two vehicles. One driver was killed, and an 83-year-old woman in another vehicle sustained minor injuries, according to investigators.
ICE officials confirmed that Bahamon Martinez entered the United States illegally near Chula Vista in August 2023 and was later released into the country under federal immigration parole procedures. He is currently being held in the Orange County Jail on charges of negligent vehicular manslaughter and evading law enforcement.
“Had Bahamon Martinez not been released under current federal policy, the innocent motorist he allegedly killed might still be alive today,” an ICE Los Angeles Field Office spokesperson said. The agency lodged an immigration detainer on January 22, requesting that Orange County officials transfer custody to ICE if the suspect is released.
ICE warns of risks from noncooperation policies
Federal authorities emphasized that if California’s sanctuary policies prevent local cooperation with immigration enforcement, ICE may be forced to conduct at-large arrests — operations that officials say carry greater risks for officers and the public.
Meanwhile, Uzbek National Held in New Jersey Jail After Domestic Violence Assault and Threat Charges, ICE Detainer.
ICE reiterated its call for state and local jurisdictions to honor detainers involving violent or repeat offenders. The agency says custody transfers inside secure facilities are safer than field arrests of individuals released into the community.
• Darwin Felipe Bahamon Martinez, 21, charged with negligent vehicular manslaughter in Anaheim
• ICE lodged a detainer Jan. 22 seeking custody transfer from Orange County Jail
• Victim identified as a 59-year-old motorist killed during a high-speed police pursuit
Bahamon Martinez remains in local custody pending court proceedings in Orange County.
More from Shore News Network, Colombian Migrant Accused of Burglary Spree Held Captured in North Jersey, ICE Files Detainer.