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Placentia Today
By the People, for the People
Twice-Deported Illegal Immigrant Charged with Carjacking in California
Authorities say Miguel Abrajan-Morales reentered the U.S. after being deported twice in 2016
Mar. 11, 2026 at 7:00am
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A 45-year-old Mexican national named Miguel Abrajan-Morales has been charged with carjacking and illegal reentry into the United States after authorities say he assaulted a woman, stole her car, and then collided with another vehicle while attempting to flee the scene in Placentia, California.
Why it matters
This case highlights ongoing concerns about border security and illegal immigration, as well as the challenges law enforcement faces in dealing with repeat offenders who are able to easily reenter the country after being deported. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of current policies and procedures for removing and keeping undocumented immigrants out of the U.S.
The details
According to court documents, Abrajan-Morales was first deported from the U.S. to Mexico on October 13, 2016, but then reentered the country less than a week later on October 19, 2016 and was deported again. Now, he has been charged with carjacking a woman's Ford Bronco at a shopping center in Placentia and then allegedly trying to run over the woman and her male companion as he fled the scene, colliding with another parked car in the process.
- On October 13, 2016, Abrajan-Morales was first deported from the U.S. to Mexico.
- On October 19, 2016, Abrajan-Morales reentered the U.S. and was deported again.
- On February 27, 2026, the alleged carjacking incident took place in Placentia, California.
The players
Miguel Abrajan-Morales
A 45-year-old Mexican national who has been charged with carjacking and illegal reentry into the United States.
E.L.O.
The woman whose Ford Bronco was allegedly stolen by Abrajan-Morales.
G.P.G.
The man who tried to defend E.L.O. and fight Abrajan-Morales during the alleged carjacking incident.
What they’re saying
“E.L.O. explained that she walked to her car and entered her vehicle, a green 2025 Ford Bronco, and sat in the driver's seat. Unexpectedly, and without E.L.O.'s permission, ABRAJAN-MORALES opened and entered the Ford Bronco's front-passenger (door) and struck E.L.O. in the face several times.”
— Special Agent Nicholas DeSimone, Homeland Security Investigations
“Following the fight, ABRAJAN-MORALES walked around to the driver's side of the Ford Bronco, entered the driver's seat, and drove away in the vehicle without E.L.O.'s permission.”
— Special Agent Nicholas DeSimone, Homeland Security Investigations
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Abrajan-Morales to be released on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing challenges of border security and immigration enforcement, as well as the need for stronger measures to prevent repeat offenders from easily reentering the country after being deported. It also raises concerns about public safety and the ability of undocumented immigrants to commit crimes in local communities.
