A man accused in the death of a 14-year-old Southern California high school student, who was struck and killed in a DUI hit-and-run crash earlier this month, has been identified as an undocumented immigrant from Mexico with two prior DUI arrests in the state, Fox News has learned.
Jose Abelardo Villegas-Orbe, 47, a Mexican national living in the U.S. illegally, faces charges of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and DUI hit-and-run causing death. Authorities say his presence in the country was allowed to continue under the Biden administration’s current immigration policies.
The victim, La Quinta High School freshman Liam Cantu, was riding his bike with another teen on Oct. 10 when he was hit by a vehicle. Cantu later died at a hospital on Oct. 24, according to a statement from La Quinta High School. The other teen, whose name has not been released, was hospitalized and later discharged, according to local outlet News Channel 3.
Multiple federal law enforcement sources told Fox News that Villegas-Orbe had previously been arrested for driving under the influence in August 2024 and November 2024 in Riverside County, California. Because those charges were misdemeanors, officials said they did not fall under the Biden administration’s immigration enforcement priorities.
As a result, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) did not issue detainers at the time—meaning no steps were taken to deport Villegas-Orbe following either arrest. However, ICE has now filed a detainer request with local authorities in connection with his recent arrest for the fatal hit-and-run.
Officials also noted that California’s sanctuary state laws likely prevent cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, even if Villegas-Orbe is released on bail.
In a tribute on Instagram, La Quinta High School remembered Cantu with heartfelt words:
“We remember his smile, his laughter, and the energy he brought into every space. We remember Liam today and always. His spirit will forever be a part of our school family.”
