The Australian government is seeking urgent answers following the release of footage showing plain-clothed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers detaining an Australian citizen at Las Vegas's Harry Reid International Airport. The incident occurred on Monday when filmmaker Chris Motley captured video of the officers restraining 57-year-old Phu Nguyen.
In the video, Nguyen can be heard shouting, "Let me go!" and "I don't know what they're doing," as a male ICE officer pins his arm and a female officer places him in handcuffs. The male officer attempts to obscure his face when he notices he is being filmed. An airport employee then partially blocks the camera's view as the officers, with hoods pulled over their faces, lead Nguyen away.
Mogul was seen struggling to regain his footing and collect his backpack, with a handcuff still attached to his wrist, before local police arrived at the scene. Travelers could be heard shouting at the ICE officers as they departed, and a woman followed them. Police then escorted Motley away.
An Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) spokesperson stated that the department is making inquiries and is prepared to offer consular assistance if requested. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed the involvement of ICE agents.
ICE Los Angeles posted a photograph of Nguyen on its X account, stating he had overstayed his visa. The DHS further described Nguyen as an "illegal alien and citizen of Australia" born in Vietnam. According to a DHS statement to ABC News, a crowd of "anti-ICE agitators" surrounded officers as they attempted to arrest Nguyen.
The DHS confirmed Nguyen legally entered the U.S. on a visa in May 2013, with permission to stay until May 2015. The department stated that Nguyen refused to depart, violating U.S. laws. He is currently in ICE custody pending the outcome of removal proceedings, and will receive due process.
Nguyen is reportedly being held at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center in California. Motley's video, shared on social media, shows only himself approaching the ICE agents during the attempted arrest.
