A 74-year-old grandmother remains on life support after an illegal immigrant allegedly struck her with his truck twice outside her Miami home, then fled the scene before hiding in a nearby shed. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has now placed a detainer on the suspect as federal authorities push for his removal from the country.
Grandmother Trapped Under Vehicle After Double Impact
Geraldine Byrd had just stepped out of her car to open her gate early Sunday morning when Tomas Raymundo Brito allegedly struck her vehicle, causing it to spin into her. His truck then hit Byrd a second time, trapping her underneath the vehicle. Neighbors heard a loud boom followed by screaming as residents rushed to help, finding Byrd pinned beneath the truck. She was airlifted to a nearby hospital where she remains in critical condition on life support.
This illegal alien HIT a 74-year-old woman with his CAR — leaving her on LIFE SUPPORT.
Tomas Reymundo Brito, from Guatemala, hit Geraldine Byrd TWICE with his truck, trapping her underneath. He then got out of the truck and fled the scene.
ICE is calling on Miami-Dade county…
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) August 6, 2026
After the collision, Brito exited his truck and ran from the scene. A family member chased him down and discovered him hiding in a shed. Following his arrest, Brito admitted to being the driver and acknowledged drinking five beers before the incident, according to authorities. He now faces charges for leaving the scene of a crash causing serious bodily injury and driving without a license.
Federal Immigration Action Triggers Custody Battle
Brito, a Guatemalan national who entered the United States illegally at an unknown date and location, is currently being held at the Miami-Dade Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. ICE lodged a detainer request the same day as his arrest. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated that Brito should never have been allowed in American communities or on the streets, calling for Miami-Dade officials to cooperate with federal authorities and turn him over to ICE custody for removal from the country.
Miami-Dade County confirmed it honors ICE detainer requests in accordance with law by holding individuals for the authorized 48-hour period. If ICE does not assume custody within that timeframe, the individual must be released as required by law. Florida law prohibits sanctuary policies, and Miami-Dade is not a sanctuary jurisdiction. The county participates in ICE’s 287(g) program, which allows local law enforcement to perform immigration enforcement functions.
Community Mourns Beloved Neighbor
Neighbors described Byrd as kind and friendly, someone who regularly sent birthday gifts to children in the neighborhood. Despite language barriers with some residents, Byrd maintained warm relationships throughout her community. The incident has shaken the neighborhood as residents await news of her condition while federal authorities work to ensure the suspect faces consequences beyond state charges.