An illegal immigrant who authorities say had been deported from the United States three times is now facing multiple criminal charges after a crash in North Carolina that claimed the life of a 6-year-old girl and seriously injured two others.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has lodged an immigration detainer requesting that North Carolina officials notify the agency before releasing Jaime Santiago Corona from custody.
The crash, which occurred on July 3, claimed the life of 6-year-old Calli Toler. Her mother, Kelli Toler, and a 4-year-old child riding in the same vehicle were both seriously injured.
According to arrest warrants, Jaime Santiago Corona had been deported three times since 2019, was illegally in the United States, and was driving on a revoked license when Calli was killed.
I voted for the Laken Riley Act because our immigration laws must be enforced. North…
— Congressman Don Davis (@RepDonDavis) July 9, 2026
Federal officials said Corona is a Mexican national who has entered the United States illegally four times. DHS stated that he was removed from the country in 2019, 2023, and 2024 before allegedly returning again.
According to DHS, Corona also has a criminal history that includes convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol and obstructing police.
Acting DHS Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said the tragedy could have been prevented.
“This monster caused a car crash that killed a 6-year-old girl, and injured a mother and a 4-year-old,” Bis said in a statement.
Last week, Calli Toler’s life was taken after an illegal alien recklessly ran a stop sign and crashed into her.
She was just six years old.
This tragedy was 100 percent preventable.
Please join us in praying for Calli’s family, friends, and loved ones. https://t.co/wv1tSfXmo5 pic.twitter.com/xuAl0ZGQzZ
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) July 9, 2026
“He had previously been deported three times and has a criminal history for driving under the influence of liquor.”
Bis added, “This tragedy was 100% preventable. Our prayers are with Calli Toler and her family. DHS lodged a detainer requesting this criminal illegal alien not be released from jail and allowed on our roads again.”
According to WCTI-TV, Corona has been charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle, failure to stop for a stop sign, careless and reckless driving, and driving while his license was revoked.
Authorities allege that Corona was driving a 2023 Dodge Ram pickup when he failed to stop at a stop sign, colliding with a 2016 Chevrolet SUV driven by Kelli Toler.
.@ICEgov has lodged a detainer for a three-time deported illegal alien who KILLED a SIX-YEAR-OLD GIRL.
Jaime Santiago Corona, from Mexico, was driving with a revoked license when he ran a stop sign and collided with Kelli Toler’s SUV. Toler and her 4-year-old were injured, and… https://t.co/4jIDj1yEr6 pic.twitter.com/IpJ5vs465h
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) July 8, 2026
Emergency responders pronounced Calli Toler dead following the collision, while her mother and the 4-year-old passenger were transported for treatment of serious injuries.
Corona is currently being held at the Pitt County Detention Center on a $100,000 secured bond. Bond documents reportedly describe him as a flight risk.
The Pitt County Sheriff’s Office has also indicated that it will cooperate with ICE regarding the immigration detainer, according to Fox News.
