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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has lodged a detainer at the Miami-Dade Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center following the arrest of Tomas Raymundo Brito, a Guatemalan national accused of striking a 74-year-old woman with his vehicle outside her home early Sunday morning. The incident left Geraldine Byrd on life support in critical condition at a nearby hospital, according to federal authorities.
Brito allegedly struck Byrd’s vehicle as she exited her car to open her gate, causing the car to spin into her before his truck struck her again, pinning her underneath the vehicle. According to Brito’s statement following his arrest, he had consumed five beers before the collision. He subsequently fled the scene but was located hiding in a shed by a family member of the victim and taken into custody.
Neighbors described Byrd as a kind and generous community member. Resident Kristina Diaz recalled hearing screaming and loud commotion immediately after the crash, with neighbors shouting about the victim’s location and calling emergency services. Another neighbor, Flor Ortiz, praised Byrd despite the language barrier between them.
Brito faces charges of leaving the scene of a crash causing serious bodily injury and driving without a valid license. He entered the United States illegally at an unknown date and location, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated that ICE is requesting Miami-Dade County officials to maintain custody and transfer Brito to federal immigration authorities rather than release him. The county corrections department confirmed receipt of the detainer request and indicated compliance with the 48-hour holding period mandated by law.
Miami-Dade County is not designated a sanctuary jurisdiction, and Florida state law prohibits sanctuary policies. The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office participates in ICE’s 287(g) program, which allows state and local law enforcement to enforce federal immigration law.
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