U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has issued an immigration detainer for Julio Cesar Herrera Gonzalez, an illegal alien from Honduras, who is accused of causing a fatal head-on collision in Nashville while allegedly driving under the influence.
The crash, which occurred on August 10, resulted in the death of Raquel Lorena Sarabia Barajas and left her husband, Marco Antonio Baez Del Angel, in critical condition.
The Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) said Gonzalez was driving a Maserati SQ4 and had crossed into oncoming traffic on Bell Road at Harris Hills Lane before hitting the husband and wife’s Nissan Rogue.
Another senseless tragedy because of a criminal illegal alien behind the wheel.@ICEgov lodged an immigration detainer for Julio Cesar Herrera Gonzalez, a criminal illegal alien from Honduras, after he drove drunk and caused a devastating crash killing Raquel Lorena Sarabia… pic.twitter.com/d10ctkjfWa
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) August 26, 2025
MNPD said its investigation shows the westbound Maserati SQ4, driven by the illegal alien, crossed into oncoming lanes of traffic and struck the Nissan, which was traveling eastbound, head-on at approximately 3:25 a.m.
Barajas, 37, died at the scene of the crash while both drivers were transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUCM).
MNPD said Gonzalez, the 36-year-old illegal alien, “showed signs of impairment at the hospital.”
Since his release from VUMC, Gonzalez has been charged with vehicular homicide, vehicular assault, DUI, and driving without a license.
He is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, September 2.
ICE has since filed a detainer for Gonzales, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
“Herrera Gonzalez drove drunk and killed Raquel Lorena Sarabia Barajas and left her husband Marco Antonio Baez Del Angel fighting for his life. ICE issued an arrest detainer to ensure this criminal illegal alien is not released back into American communities,” a senior DHS official said in a statement.
“It seems to be almost a daily occurrence where an illegal alien driving kills innocent Americans. All of these deaths are preventable because these illegal aliens should have NEVER been in our country. President Trump and Secretary Noem will continue to stand with the victims of illegal alien crime and their families,” the DHS official added.
DHS said Gonzalez was granted Temporary Protected Status in 2008 before having the status revoked in 2015.
While DHS notes that Gonzalez has a prior conviction for vandalism, further investigation into his criminal history reveals he was also charged with driving without a license in Nashville in both 2021 and 2024. In both instances, the charges were ultimately dismissed.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Kaitlin on X / Twitter.
Photos “Julio Cesar Herrera” by DHS.gov.
