City News Service is one of the largest regional news services in the country, serving the Southern California region.
VISTA, Calif. - A man who federal officials said was deported from the United States four times before striking an 11-year-old boy with his vehicle in Escondido, then fleeing the scene, pleaded guilty to a felony count of hit-and-run causing death.
Hector Amador Balderas, 44, whose case sparked a public debate among federal and state officials due to his immigration status, pleaded guilty Friday to hitting Aiden Antonio Torres De Paz with his vehicle on Nov. 26, 2025, then driving away from the scene. Court documents indicate he is facing between two and three years in state prison when he is sentenced, with the hearing scheduled early next month. Amador Balderas remains jailed without bail pending sentencing.
Witnesses said Aiden went into the street to retrieve a soccer ball when he was hit at about 5 p.m. near the intersection of East Washington Avenue and Hickory Street. He was taken to Rady Children's Hospital where he died Thanksgiving morning, police said. Prosecutors said Amador Balderas turned himself in a few days later.
At the time of his arrest, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security made claims that California had refused to honor what's known as an immigration detainer filed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in which local law enforcement agencies are asked to notify the agency when someone they believe is deportable will be released from custody. After the Sheriff's Office rejected ICE's request for an immigration detainer, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement that she was calling on Gov.
Gavin Newsom to 'do the right thing and honor ICE's arrest detainer.
'Newsom in turn called the DHS allegations 'a complete lie' and said California honors federal criminal warrants. His office said further, 'Nothing prohibits the federal government from doing its job in this case. 'Copyright 2026, City News Service, Inc.
Hector Amador Balderas Hickory Street Deadly Escondido Hit And Run East Washington Avenue Escondido Hit And Run
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
One person injured in Lancaster shooting: policeOne man is injured after a shooting in Lancaster Saturday night according to Lancaster City Police.
Read more »
James Gunn Is Finally Introducing The Live Action Version Of Stan Lee's Favorite DC Character 43 Years Laterstan lee laughing alongside images of spider-man and iron man
Read more »
Studio City man attacked with bear spray after confronting masked burglarsSteven Calabro snapped pictures of the getaway car, the two masked men leaving the property and the moment they attacked him with the bear spray.
Read more »
Man stabbed in weekend attack at Redwood City grocery store, arrest madeA Redwood City man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a stabbing inside a supermarket over the weekend, police said.
Read more »