U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced a detainer against an illegal immigrant who is accused of a hit-and-run that claimed the life of a North Carolina father.
WYFF4 reports that on August 2, 2026, in Sylva, NC, James Robert Bagley III was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver. The 51-year-old was left to die in the streets.
The alleged driver, Mauricio Josué Alberto Sarmiento, has now been arrested.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Sarmiento entered the United States illegally during the Biden administration through Texas as an unaccompanied minor in October 2021.
U.S. Border Patrol detained him, after which he was “reunified” with a non-family sponsor and released into the country.
ICE has now filed a detainer against him.
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin told Fox News Digital his agency is “asking officials in Jackson County to cooperate and not release this criminal from jail without notifying ICE.”
Mullin said “if it weren’t for the Biden Administration’s disastrous open borders, James Bagley would still be alive.”
Mullin said “by securing our border and deporting illegal aliens, we can save lives and prevent tragedies like this one from ever happening again.”
According to the Sylva Police Department, Sarmiento faces multiple charges, including: Felony hit-and-run resulting in serious injury or death, driving without liability insurance, driving while license revoked, and exceeding safe speed/failure to reduce speed
During the investigation, officers also determined that Mr. Sarmiento had an outstanding Order for Arrest out of Jackson County.
Sylva Police Chief Aimee Sumner stated, “This arrest represents a significant step forward in our investigation, and I want to thank the investigators, our partner agencies, and the members of our community who came forward with information.”
“Our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of James Bagley as they continue to cope with this tremendous loss. While an arrest has been made, this case is not over, and we remain committed to conducting a thorough investigation and ensuring that the facts are presented through the judicial process. We ask the public to continue respecting the integrity of the case as it moves forward.”
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