A horrific tragedy in Napa County has once again exposed the deadly consequences of California’s radical sanctuary policies — and the growing cost of left-wing “compassion” that protects criminal illegal aliens over law-abiding Americans.
Authorities have charged 53-year-old Mexican national Norberto Celerino with six counts of murder after a drunk driving crash on September 7, 2025, that killed six innocent passengers and left another badly injured. The blood-soaked wreck, which took place on a quiet California road, is now igniting national outrage after it was revealed that Celerino had been deported multiple times and had a long rap sheet including cocaine possession and multiple DUIs — yet remained free in California thanks to the state’s sanctuary laws.
According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Celerino — who first crossed the border illegally in 1995 — had been removed from the United States several times. Still, due to California’s refusal to cooperate with federal authorities, he was able to slip back in and continue breaking the law until his reckless actions took six lives.
The victims — identified as Pedro Lopez Gomez, Fernando Silverio, Demetrio Celerino Francisco, Beymar Reynosa Rodriguez, Aaron Ruiz, and Loreto Ricardo Hernandez — never stood a chance when Celerino, allegedly drunk behind the wheel, lost control and slammed his vehicle into a tree.
In a blistering statement, ICE officials directly blamed California’s far-left leadership for the carnage: “This tragedy is the direct result of California’s sanctuary laws. These policies protect criminal aliens — not families, not citizens, not communities. They put the American public in danger every single day.”
Former Trump Administration immigration czar Tom Homan echoed that outrage, calling sanctuary cities “a national disgrace.” Speaking after visiting a wounded Border Patrol officer who was shot in the line of duty, Homan didn’t mince words: “Every sanctuary city is unsafe. They are sanctuaries for criminals. You don’t want us arresting violent offenders in jails? Fine — we’ll arrest them in your neighborhoods. But make no mistake, we will arrest them.”
Homan vowed that under President Trump’s renewed push for border security, sanctuary cities would be “priority targets.” Working closely with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Homan pledged to “flood the zone” and bring federal enforcement directly into left-wing cities that refuse to uphold the law.
“This bloodshed is avoidable,” Homan said. “When cities like Chicago, New York, and San Francisco shield illegal immigrants from deportation, they’re not showing compassion — they’re showing contempt for American lives.”
Celerino’s deadly crash is a brutal reminder of what happens when ideology trumps public safety. Six more people are dead because California politicians care more about protecting illegal immigrants than enforcing the law. And while Democrats offer thoughts and excuses, the victims’ families are left to mourn — paying the price for policies that put politics over people.
As Homan bluntly put it, “If you can’t be arrested in jail, you’ll be arrested in the street. And if you’re here illegally, you’re leaving. Sanctuary cities have become sanctuaries for criminals — and that ends now.”
