A Colorado court has set a cash-only bond of $250,000 for Jose Guadalupe Menjivar-Alas, a thrice-deported illegal immigrant from El Salvador, who is now facing charges for allegedly causing a fatal car crash while under the influence of alcohol.
The 37-year-old Menjivar-Alas, who has multiple prior convictions for driving while intoxicated (DWI), appeared for his hearing virtually from Broomfield County Jail.
The presiding judge, citing concerns for community safety and doubts over Menjivar-Alas's likelihood of attending future court dates, expressed apprehension about the possibility of his deportation if he posts bond. "Just even the possibility that Mr. Menijvar would be deported if he posts bond is very concerning," the judge stated during the hearing.
Broomfield Police Department arrested Menjivar-Alas on December 15, following a fatal collision on Main Street and Miramonte Boulevard three days prior. Menjivar-Alas was driving a Toyota Tundra that crashed into a Mazda CX-5, resulting in the deaths of the Mazda's occupants, 47-year-old Melissa Powell and her 16-year-old son, Riordan.
Detectives investigating the crash believe that excessive speed and alcohol were contributing factors. Following the accident, Menjivar-Alas was taken to a local hospital and, upon release, was charged with DUI, vehicular homicide due to reckless driving, and vehicular homicide caused by DUI. He was also designated a habitual traffic offender.
U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed to Fox News Digital that Menjivar-Alas has been deported from the U.S. four times. "ICE records show that the subject has been previously removed and has no regard for immigration law," an ICE spokesperson said.
Menjivar-Alas's first DWI conviction dates back to August 4, 2007, with subsequent convictions on December 7, 2016, and May 7, 2019. He also has a conviction for driving with alcohol from September 16, 2007. His first deportation order was issued on April 14, 2009, and he was removed from the U.S. in June 2009, June 2013, November 2014, and January 2015.
Despite these deportations, Menjivar-Alas repeatedly reentered the country. ICE's Denver field office lodged an immigration detainer with Broomfield County on December 18, 2023.
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