Video showing a man being detained by ICE agents in Long Beach is drawing criticism from state and local leaders.
Neighbors say they rushed outside when they heard the commotion, and that’s when they saw the man on the ground being held down by agents.
Cellphone video shows a man being detained on the ground by what appears to be ICE agents in North Long Beach Saturday afternoon. However, the video does not show what happened leading up to that moment.
Many neighbors say it was disturbing to watch and allege that the encounter was violent.
“They tased him, and it was just horrible,” said Patty Villarrel, who lives in Long Beach.
“They were even kicking him when he was handcuffed on the ground,” neighbor Ashley Brust said. “That was kind of crazy. That was kind of traumatic.”
The encounter happened near the intersection of Locust Avenue and Ellis Street.
In the video, you can hear the man screaming that his arm is broken and asking for help. Neighbors are also seen in the street demanding federal agents leave the man alone.
The family confirmed to NBC Los Angeles on Sunday that the man is a U.S. citizen.
“I love it, and that’s why we have a community that gets together, and I am very grateful we have a community in North Long Beach,” Villarrel said.
Long Beach police say they were requested by the Department of Homeland Security and ICE for assistance due to a vehicle vandalism and a person needing medical aid. When officers arrived, they found the handcuffed man detained by ICE bleeding.
Police say they took the man to a nearby fire station, where they removed the handcuffs, and Long Beach Fire personnel took him to a hospital for treatment.
Long Beach police say they were not involved in any immigration enforcement and did not make any arrests.
Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson posted his reaction to the incident on social media.
“Our residents shouldn’t be put in these situations,” Richardson said. “Families shouldn’t have to live in fear in their own neighborhoods. I’ve asked our city team to verify exactly what happened and to document everything.”
Congressman Robert Garcia, who represents Long Beach, also condemned the encounter.
“ICE agents brutally attacked and broke the arm of a North Long Beach resident and U.S. citizen,” Garcia said in an X post. :The videos are horrific and should concern not just our community but the country. I’m proud of the neighbors who documented and stood up for the family being terrorized by ICE. Donald Trump and his inhumane and illegal deportation machine must be stopped. Long Beach stands with our community and our immigrant families. ICE is not welcome in Long Beach. Abolish ICE.”
U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli responded to Garcia’s message with the following:
“You’re a sitting member of Congress and you’re encouraging people to obstruct immigration agents enforcing laws enacted by Congress? Shame on you. These incidents would be less common if the targets complied with lawful commands. You’re intentionally fanning the flames and increasing danger for the community and officers. I’m proud of the men and women of law enforcement who risk their lives every day to keep us safe. We will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute anyone who assaults them.”
NBCLA reached out to ICE, DHS and CBP regarding the incident but has not received a response.