Undocumented Colombian Accused of Fatal Placentia Crash

ICE lodges detainer against 21-year-old suspect Darwin Felipe Bahamon Martinez

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Federal immigration officials have lodged a detainer against a 21-year-old Anaheim man accused of killing one driver and injuring another in a Placentia crash while fleeing police in January. Authorities say Darwin Felipe Bahamon Martinez, an undocumented immigrant from Colombia, illegally entered the U.S. in 2023 and is now facing charges of evading a peace officer causing death and vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence.

Why it matters

The case highlights the complex intersection of immigration enforcement, public safety, and the criminal justice system. It also raises questions about how undocumented immigrants accused of serious crimes are handled by local and federal authorities.

The details

On January 21, Anaheim police attempted to pull over Bahamon Martinez for reckless driving, but he fled and a pursuit ensued. After entering Placentia, Bahamon Martinez's vehicle struck a Honda sedan, killing the 59-year-old driver, and then hit a Dodge minivan before police took him into custody.

  • On January 21, 2026, around 7:40 p.m., the incident occurred in Placentia, California.
  • On January 22, 2026, ICE lodged a detainer against Bahamon Martinez.

The players

Darwin Felipe Bahamon Martinez

A 21-year-old Anaheim resident accused of killing one driver and injuring another in a Placentia crash while fleeing police. Authorities say he is an undocumented immigrant from Colombia who illegally entered the U.S. in 2023.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that has lodged a detainer against Bahamon Martinez, requesting that local law enforcement notify ICE before releasing him and hold him for up to 48 hours so that federal immigration authorities can take custody.

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What they’re saying

“Bahamon Martinez illegally entered the U.S. near Chula Vista, California, in August 2023.”

— ICE, Los Angeles field office

What’s next

Bahamon Martinez has pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the case will proceed through the criminal justice system. ICE's detainer means he will likely be transferred to federal immigration custody if released from local law enforcement.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the complex issues surrounding immigration enforcement, public safety, and the criminal justice system. It raises questions about how undocumented immigrants accused of serious crimes should be handled and the balance between immigration policies and protecting local communities.