Illegal Immigrant Dodges Deportation for Decade Before Allegedly Killing Man in DUI Hit & Run

Sanctuary State policies have deadly consequences. That is why we will continue enforcing immigration laws in California. https://t.co/YWTQkZPlLy

— F.A. United States Attorney Bill Essayli (@USAttyEssayli) November 9, 2025

… Munoz Gatica, a Mexican national, was arrested by ICE in 2011 for being in the U.S. illegally. He was released by the Obama administration ICE with a notice to appear in court, but never showed up, and was ordered deported in absentia by a federal immigration judge in 2012.

He has been an ICE fugitive ever since, living in the sanctuary state of California.

Photo of him provided by ICE source is from his last DHS encounter in 2011.

Police suspect Gatica was driving under the influence in Dana Point, CA on Friday when he crashed into a pedestrian, 71-year-old Barry William Tutt, then fled the scene.

Tutt died as a result of his injuries.

Gatica has been booked into the Orange County jail on suspicion of DUI causing death or bodily injury & hit and run causing death or bodily injury.

I’m told Gatica has a prior arrest for robbery in 2011 in Orange County, CA, but he received a plea deal and was convicted instead of the lesser crime of grand theft and was sentenced to 10 days in jail.