ICE places detainer on Honduran suspect after fatal North Carolina hit-and-run

Authorities in Sylva, North Carolina, reported that 21-year-old Honduran illegal immigrant Mauricio Josue Alberto Sarmiento hit 51-year-old James Robert Bagley III with his vehicle on early August 2 and left the scene, resulting in Bagley's death. First responders found Bagley unresponsive in the street, and he later died from his injuries. Five days after the incident, Sylva police arrested Sarmiento, charging him with felony hit-and-run, driving without insurance, operating with a revoked license, speeding, and failing to reduce speed, as well as an outstanding arrest order from Jackson County.

ICE subsequently lodged a detainer with the Jackson County Jail. The Department of Homeland Security noted Sarmiento entered the country illegally through Texas as an unaccompanied minor in October 2021 and was released under a sponsor. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin urged Jackson County officials not to release the suspect without notifying ICE, blaming broader immigration policy for the tragedy.

Sylva Police Chief Aimee Sumner described the arrest as a significant investigative advance but stressed the investigation is not concluded and expressed sympathy for Bagley's family. The sheriff’s office had not responded to inquiries at the time of publication.