A seven-time deported illegal immigrant from Mexico is accused of killing six people in a horrific crash in California after being protected from deportation under the state’s sanctuary laws.
Authorities said 53-year-old Beto Cerillo-Bialva was arrested by the Napa County Sheriff’s Office and charged with gross vehicular manslaughter following a fatal wreck in September.
Police allege Cerillo-Bialva was driving drunk with seven farmworkers in his vehicle when he crashed into a tree, killing six passengers. Only Cerillo-Bialva and one other person survived.
The victims were identified as:
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Loreto Ricardo Hernandez, 42
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Fernando Silverio, 34
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Araon Ruiz Ruiz, 39
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Beymar Reynosa Rodriguez, 32
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Demetrio Celerino Francisco, 39
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Pedro Lopez Gomez, 57
ICE officials revealed that Cerillo-Bialva had two prior DUI convictions in California — one in 2020 and another in 2024. After his 2024 conviction, Immigration and Customs Enforcement sought custody, but California’s sanctuary state policy blocked local authorities from transferring him to federal custody.
“This serial criminal killed six innocent souls. Governor Newsom has blood on his hands,” said Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security. “Sanctuary policies protect the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens. ICE will do everything in our power to remove this serial drunk driver, abuser, and drug user from our country.”
Governor Gavin Newsom’s office pushed back, rejecting blame and pointing to federal failures.
“It’s clear that this is an attempt to distract from the truth,” said Diana Crofts-Pelayo, a spokeswoman for Newsom. “This individual reentered the country several times under the federal government’s watch. Trump and Miller have little interest in public safety or protecting farmworkers.”
In addition to multiple deportations and DUI convictions, Cerillo-Bialva has prior charges for cocaine possession, driving without a license, and violating a restraining order for domestic abuse.
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