Grieving Mother Demands Justice After Alleged DUI Crash Kills Daughter, Maims Marine Husband
SAN DIEGO, Calif. — A heartbreaking Thanksgiving weekend collision has left an 8-year-old girl dead and her Marine father critically injured, as the mother of the family speaks out demanding justice. The crash, which authorities say was caused by an alleged intoxicated driver who is an undocumented immigrant with a history of DUI offenses and a deportation order, has ignited renewed debate over immigration enforcement and public safety.
Jacqueline Cruz Acencio, the mother who lost her daughter Arya Cruz Acencio in the crash, recounted the devastating aftermath of the accident that also left her husband, U.S. Marine Oscar Cruz Acencio, fighting for his life. Oscar underwent a leg amputation and continues to receive treatment for a traumatic brain injury at a Navy hospital in San Diego.
“I care very deeply for these people that want to have a better life. I really do, but I have no sympathy for the driver that hit me and my family. I don’t. I’m angry, and he shouldn’t have been here in the first place,” Jackie told Fox News in an exclusive interview.
The suspect, Bryan Josue Alva-Rodriguez, a 25-year-old Guatemalan citizen, allegedly crossed a double yellow line while intoxicated and collided head-on with the Cruz Acencio family’s vehicle. According to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Alva-Rodriguez illegally entered the United States on February 8, 2018, and was apprehended by Border Patrol agents in Calexico, California. He was released after being issued a notice to appear before an immigration judge.
During his immigration proceedings, Alva-Rodriguez was charged with two prior DUIs on September 6, 2020, and April 7, 2021. Despite an immigration judge ordering his deportation on March 16, 2023, he failed to leave the country. The suspect was arraigned on charges of murder, vehicular manslaughter, and driving under the influence while being treated for injuries sustained in the crash.
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department and ICE have both expressed frustration over the suspect’s continued presence in the U.S. despite his criminal history and deportation order. The incident has prompted calls for stricter enforcement of immigration laws and better coordination between law enforcement agencies.
“Now an innocent life has been lost in a tragedy that could have been prevented,” the San Diego office of ICE wrote on social media.
The Cruz Acencio family was returning home from a Thanksgiving visit when the collision occurred. Jackie described the moment she realized her daughter was not breathing, a trauma that has left the family and community reeling.
Oscar Cruz Acencio’s ongoing medical battle underscores the profound human cost of the crash. He remains hospitalized, receiving care for his injuries sustained in the accident.
The tragic event has drawn attention to the challenges faced by immigration enforcement agencies. According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, border crossings and apprehensions continue to be a complex issue, with many individuals entering the country illegally despite prior orders or criminal records.
Advocates for victims’ rights and public safety argue that this case highlights the need for improved policies to prevent similar tragedies. Meanwhile, immigrant rights groups emphasize the importance of humane treatment and due process for all individuals.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) continues to work with federal, state, and local partners to address these multifaceted issues. The agency stresses the importance of balancing enforcement with community safety.
As the Cruz Acencio family mourns their loss and awaits justice, their story serves as a somber reminder of the real-life consequences of policy and enforcement decisions. The community and nation watch closely as the legal process unfolds, seeking accountability and healing.
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