Immigrant’s Sentence Sparks Debate After Fatal Crash

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Undocumented Immigrant Sentenced to One Year in Fatal Hit-and-Run of USC Student

Story Highlights

Rosali Fernandez Cruz, 24, received a one-year prison sentence for a hit-and-run collision that resulted in the death of University of South Carolina student Nathaniel “Nate” Baker, 21.
Cruz was identified as an undocumented immigrant with an active ICE warrant at the time of the incident on April 2, 2025.
The driver reportedly fled the scene on foot after striking Baker’s motorcycle and was apprehended shortly thereafter without a valid driver’s license.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was notified following the arrest, with deportation proceedings anticipated after the completion of her sentence.
Two passengers who also departed the scene were not charged in connection with the incident.

Fatal Collision in Columbia, South Carolina

On April 2, 2025, Nathaniel “Nate” Baker, a 21-year-old student at the University of South Carolina, died following a collision at the intersection of Blossom and Assembly Streets in Columbia. Rosali Fernandez Cruz, 24, reportedly failed to yield while making a left turn, striking Baker’s motorcycle at approximately 2:00 p.m. near the USC campus. Cruz and two passengers left the scene on foot. Columbia Police Department officers located and detained Cruz minutes later on the 1100 block of Greene Street. Baker was transported to Prisma Health Richland Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

BREAKING: Rosali Fernandez-Cruz, an illegal alien from El Salvador, has pleaded GUILTY after he k*lled USC student Nathanial Baker in a hit-and-run earlier this year.

He was sentenced to ONLY ONE YEAR in prison and will reportedly be released in March 2026.

Democrats shut down… https://t.co/CJNsFqanTu pic.twitter.com/U5NGo5gJuR

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) October 7, 2025

Immigration Status and Legal Proceedings

Authorities identified Cruz as an undocumented immigrant who had an active warrant from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at the time of the collision. She was charged with hit-and-run resulting in death, failure to render aid, and driving without a license. Following Cruz’s arrest, ICE was notified, and federal immigration authorities are expected to initiate deportation proceedings upon the completion of her prison sentence.

Sentencing and Public Response

Cruz was sentenced to one year in prison for her involvement in the fatal hit-and-run. This sentencing has drawn criticism from some who believe it to be lenient for a case involving a fatality and fleeing the scene. Legal experts have noted that sentencing for fatal hit-and-run cases varies by jurisdiction. The two passengers who also fled the scene did not face charges.

Broader Context of Immigration Enforcement

This incident has been cited by some as an example of challenges in immigration enforcement. Cruz, who was reportedly wanted by ICE, remained in the country and was operating a vehicle without a license. Under the Trump administration, there has been an increased focus on immigration enforcement, with policies aimed at limiting illegal immigration, including the Laken Riley Act signed on January 29, 2025, which mandates the detention of immigrants charged with or convicted of certain crimes.

Watch the report: BREAKING: Migrant arrested after deadly hit-and-run with South Carolina college student