Deadly Hit-and-Run Leads to Major Arrest Operation

A sheriffs hat with a vintage badge resting on a wooden surface

Six Guatemalan nationals in the US illegally have been arrested and slapped with ICE holds after a deadly hit-and-run at a Florida trailer park escalated into a major immigration enforcement operation.

Story Snapshot

  • A 21-year-old man was run over and killed during a party at Willow Oak Mobile Home Park in Polk County
  • Six Guatemalan men, all in the country illegally, were arrested on felony charges with ICE deportation holds
  • The victim was allegedly dragged inside a home after being struck, turning a hit-and-run into a homicide investigation
  • Sheriff Grady Judd emphasized the serious nature of the felonies and expressed hope for deportation back to Guatemala

Deadly Party Turns Into Immigration Enforcement Operation

Polk County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a 911 call on Sunday morning, August 31, 2025, at Willow Oak Mobile Home Park where they discovered a 21-year-old Guatemalan man dead inside a residence. The investigation revealed the victim had been struck by a van during a large Saturday night party and subsequently dragged into the home. Ponciano Cinto-Ramirez, 52, allegedly reversed his van over the victim who was reportedly lying in the driveway before fleeing the scene.

The incident occurred during what law enforcement described as a party with widespread alcohol consumption at the mobile home community. Deputies determined that after the victim was struck, other individuals moved his body inside the residence where he was later found deceased. The circumstances surrounding why the victim was lying in the driveway remain under investigation by authorities.

ICE Holds Signal Federal Immigration Consequences

All six arrested Guatemalan nationals are facing serious felony charges related to the incident, with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement placing holds on each suspect for potential deportation proceedings. Sheriff Grady Judd publicly stated his hope that ICE would successfully deport the men back to Guatemala following their criminal proceedings. This federal involvement transforms what began as a local homicide investigation into a broader immigration enforcement action.

The suspects remain in custody as of September 2025, with the investigation continuing into possible additional charges. The collaboration between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities demonstrates the serious nature of crimes involving illegal immigrants, particularly those resulting in fatalities. This case exemplifies how criminal activity by undocumented individuals can trigger swift immigration enforcement responses under current policies.

Community Safety Concerns Mount at Problem Location

Willow Oak Mobile Home Park has previously been the site of multiple law enforcement interventions due to large gatherings and associated problems. Following this deadly incident and other recent arrests and brawls in the area, Polk County commissioners approved new measures on September 3, 2025, to crack down on problematic behavior at such locations. The mobile home community has developed a reputation for hosting large parties that frequently require police response.

The broader implications extend beyond this single incident, as it highlights ongoing challenges with undocumented immigrants in Florida communities and the intersection of immigration status with public safety concerns. Law enforcement’s ability to coordinate with ICE for deportation proceedings sends a clear message about consequences for illegal immigrants who engage in serious criminal activity, particularly violent crimes resulting in death.

Sources:

6 Guatemalans in US illegally arrested during investigation of deadly hit-and-run at trailer park – Fox News

Illegal immigrants arrested after man struck in hit-and-run crash found dead inside – Fox 13 News

Daily Ridge

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