An illegal immigrant with a history of criminal offenses in the United States has been indicted by a South Carolina grand jury for re-entering the country without authorization. Sergio Ixtepan-Toto, 36, was arrested in Pickens, South Carolina, on December 6, 2024, for driving under the influence.
The arrest occurred after Ixtepan-Toto nearly collided with another vehicle on West Main Street in Pickens. When approached by a police officer, he allegedly ran a stop sign and attempted to evade the authorities before being cornered in a store parking lot.
During the arrest, officers found Ixtepan-Toto to be intoxicated, as he failed a field sobriety test and had open beer cans in his vehicle. Additionally, he was in possession of a Mexican identification card.
Following his local charges, Ixtepan-Toto was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers on December 9. An affidavit revealed that he had been deported multiple times in the past, with no legal authorization to re-enter the United States.
A background check on Ixtepan-Toto unveiled a history of criminal charges dating back to 2008, including offenses such as speeding, driving without a license, domestic violence, indecent exposure, and multiple DUI arrests.
The deportation officer's affidavit highlighted the lack of permission from the relevant authorities for Ixtepan-Toto to reapply for admission into the country after his previous deportations.
This case underscores the challenges posed by repeat offenders who circumvent immigration laws and continue to engage in criminal activities within the United States.