California Officials Demand Investigation into ICE Detainment Incident
A U.S. citizen was injured during an encounter with federal immigration agents in Long Beach, prompting calls for accountability.
California officials are demanding an investigation into an incident in Long Beach where a U.S. citizen was reportedly injured while being detained by federal immigration agents. Video captured the agents pinning the man to the ground as he cried out in pain.
Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson stated in a formal complaint to the Department of Homeland Security that the man, identified as Ricardo Gonzalez, a Long Beach resident and former city employee, "reportedly was subjected to repeated Taser use, forcibly restrained, and sustained significant injuries" during the Saturday encounter. Gonzalez was heard yelling "Help me!" and repeatedly saying his arm was broken while being detained.
Long Beach police officers responded to the scene after ICE agents requested assistance due to "vehicle vandalism taking place and a subject in need of medical aid." According to a statement from the Long Beach Police Department, officers found Gonzalez handcuffed and bleeding. They provided medical attention and transported him to a local hospital. Police confirmed their officers were not involved in the immigration enforcement and made no arrests.
U.S. Representative Robert Garcia, whose district includes Long Beach, described the incident as "incredibly disturbing" and confirmed the detained individual is a U.S. citizen. Garcia, the ranking Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, called for a thorough investigation.
"A federal badge is not a license to brutalize people or disregard their constitutional rights," Richardson said in a statement. "If you are entrusted with enforcing the law, you must answer to it." He added that Long Beach "will not stay silent when our neighbors are harmed."
It remains unclear what led to the detainment and what specific injuries Gonzalez sustained. The Department of Homeland Security has been contacted for comment. A family member told ABC News they had no comment at this time.