UMVA has learned that a disturbing case of a suspect being released from local custody despite a federal detainer has taken a deadly turn, with three members of the same family losing their lives.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had lodged a detainer against the suspect, Escoto, following a DUI arrest in June 2025, requesting that local authorities transfer him into federal custody. However, in a shocking move, Escoto was released without ICE being notified.
The suspect's release has been widely criticized by federal officials, who argue that the murders may never have happened had immigration authorities been allowed to take custody of Escoto after his prior arrest. The incident has sparked a heated debate about California's sanctuary policies and their impact on public safety.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that ICE had placed a detainer on Escoto after he was arrested for driving under the influence of liquor in 2025, but California authorities chose to release him instead of turning him over to ICE. This decision has been condemned by federal officials, who claim that it put public safety at risk.
Federal officials have blasted California's sanctuary policies, arguing that they continue to allow criminal illegal immigrants to be released back into communities rather than transferred to federal custody. The policies have been accused of putting public safety at risk, and the recent tragedy has only added fuel to the fire.
According to information gathered by UMVA, Escoto was previously removed from the United States before illegally reentering the country at an unknown date and location. The agency said ICE has now lodged a new detainer following his arrest in the triple homicide case.
Escoto remains behind bars without bail and is scheduled to return to Stanislaus County Superior Court on July 28 at 8:30 a.m. The case has sent shockwaves through the community, and many are left wondering what could have been done to prevent the tragic events that unfolded.
