The Australian government is urgently seeking answers following the release of video footage showing plain-clothed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers detaining an Australian citizen at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas. The incident occurred on a Monday, and the bystander video, shared on social media, captured the man, identified as 57-year-old Phu Nguyen, shouting for the officers to release him.
In the video, one male ICE officer is seen pinning Mr. Nguyen's arm behind his back while a female officer places handcuffs on his other wrist. The male officer appeared to attempt to conceal his face when he noticed he was being filmed. An airport employee then briefly obstructed the camera's view as the two officers, reportedly with their hoods pulled up, quickly moved away with Mr. Nguyen.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) issued a statement confirming it was making urgent inquiries. "The Department stands ready to provide consular assistance to any Australian citizen, should it be requested," a spokesperson told the Daily Mail.
ICE Los Angeles later posted a photograph of Mr. Nguyen on its X account, stating that he had overstayed his visa. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that ICE agents carried out the attempted arrest. According to the DHS, Mr. Nguyen, an "illegal alien and citizen of Australia" born in Vietnam, had legally entered the U.S. on a visa in May 2013, with permission to remain until May 2015. The DHS stated that Mr. Nguyen refused to depart the country, violating U.S. laws.
The DHS also noted that "agitators" attempted to assist Mr. Nguyen in evading ICE officers at the airport. The video, however, only showed a bystander approaching the agents during the arrest. As the officers departed with Mr. Nguyen, other travelers could be heard shouting at them.
Mr. Nguyen is reportedly being held at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center in California. The DHS stated that he will receive full due process and remain in ICE custody pending the outcome of his removal proceedings.
