Illegal migrant freed by Biden and accused of killing innocent dad cowers in court
An illegal migrant accused of causing a fatal accident during a police chase in Orange County appeared visibly distressed while trying to shield his face in court on Thursday.
Darwin Felipe Bahamon Martinez, a 21-year-old Colombian national who had been released by the Biden administration, is facing charges in connection with the death of a 59-year-old man and the injury of an 83-year-old woman during a police pursuit on January 21.
In a preliminary hearing at Orange County Superior Court, Martinez seemed anxious as a sheriff’s deputy escorted him into a cage in the courtroom and locked the door behind him. He tried to conceal himself behind the cage barrier and even covered his face with a brown envelope at one point during the brief hearing.
Despite his nervous demeanor, Martinez managed to respond when Judge Fernando Valle questioned him about his upcoming court appearances. When asked if he understood the charges against him, Martinez replied affirmatively.
According to prosecutors, Martinez was spotted driving recklessly in a dark-colored Jeep Gladiator by patrol officers in Placentia. When they attempted to stop him, Martinez allegedly fled the scene, leading to a three-minute chase that ended in a collision with two other vehicles. The crash resulted in the death of Jose Antonio Ramos Hernandez and injuries to the elderly woman.
Martinez has pleaded not guilty to charges of gross vehicular manslaughter, evading a police officer causing death, and reckless driving. He is currently held on $2 million bail and is scheduled to appear in court on July 7.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials revealed that Martinez illegally entered the country near Chula Vista in August 2023. Despite being apprehended after crossing the California-Mexico border, Martinez was released back into the community under the Biden administration’s “catch-and-release” policies.
ICE has placed an immigration detainer on Martinez, but California’s sanctuary state laws do not require local authorities to transfer criminal illegal migrants to federal custody.
ICE officials have emphasized the importance of honoring the immigration detainer, stating that Martinez poses a risk to all Californians if released back into the community. Failure to comply may result in ICE re-arresting Martinez to ensure public safety.
