South Carolina Drunk Driver Arrested in December After Being Deported 3 Times

In a shocking turn of events, Sergio Ixtepan-Toto, a 36-year-old illegal immigrant with a history of criminal offenses in the United States, was recently indicted by a grand jury in South Carolina for re-entering the country without authorization. This comes after he was arrested for driving under the influence in December of last year.

Details of the Incident

The incident unfolded on December 6, 2024, in Pickens, South Carolina, when Ixtepan-Toto was caught driving under the influence after nearly colliding with another vehicle on West Main Street in the town. When law enforcement attempted to pull him over, he allegedly ran a stop sign and tried to flee, eventually being cornered by police officers in a store parking lot.

During the arrest, officers found Ixtepan-Toto to be inebriated, as he failed a field sobriety test and had multiple open beer cans in his vehicle. Despite the gravity of the situation, he was released on local charges but was later detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on December 9.

History of Deportations

An affidavit filed by a deportation officer revealed that Ixtepan-Toto had been deported multiple times in the past. His immigration file indicated that he was sent back to Mexico in May 2020, November 2022, and February 2024. Furthermore, there was no evidence that he had obtained permission to re-enter the United States legally after being deported.

Extensive Criminal Record

A background check conducted on Ixtepan-Toto unveiled a lengthy list of criminal charges dating back to 2008 in various jurisdictions across South Carolina. These charges encompass offenses such as speeding, driving without a license, domestic violence, indecent exposure, and a staggering four prior DUI arrests.

This alarming sequence of events underscores the complexities and challenges posed by illegal immigration and repeat offenders within the country. It raises crucial questions about border security, law enforcement procedures, and the need for effective immigration policies to address such recurring issues. As the case of Sergio Ixtepan-Toto unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing debates surrounding immigration laws and their enforcement in the United States.