Undocumented migrant tied to fatal accident causing death of 8-year-old girl near Julian

A man previously ordered to leave the United States is now the main suspect in a tragic head-on collision near Julian that claimed the life of an 8-year-old girl. Identified as Brayan Josue Alva-Rodriguez, a 25-year-old Guatemalan national, the suspect had entered the U.S. unlawfully in February 2018. Despite being arrested by Border Patrol in Calexico, he was released pending immigration proceedings. Alva-Rodriguez faced charges of two DUIs, occurring in September 2020 and April 2021, while undergoing these proceedings. In March 2023, an immigration judge ruled for his removal from the country; however, he failed to comply. The fatal accident, which resulted in the tragic death of the young girl and injury of several others, including her family, took place on San Felipe Road, a few miles northeast of Julian. Alcohol is suspected to have been involved in the crash, according to the California Highway Patrol. ICE officials are closely monitoring the case and plan to place an immigration detainer on Alva-Rodriguez once he is officially charged. Investigations regarding the collision are still ongoing, with a hearing scheduled for January 7, 2026. A GoFundMe campaign has been established by the family of the young victim, named Arya, whose father, Oscar Cruz-Acencio, is a U.S. Marine stationed in Yuma, Arizona. The page also mentions that Arya was the eldest of three youngsters in the family.