A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Florida was taken into custody last Wednesday after allegedly seizing a man’s neck during a dispute. This incident arose from a disagreement related to driving, based on an arrest affidavit and information obtained by Newsweek.
Allegations Against Rivera Rios
Alexander Rivera Rios, aged 50, faces charges of battery by strangulation. The altercation happened on August 26 at an Orlando apartment complex. Arrested by the Orlando Police Department, Rivera Rios was held in Orange County jail without bond. The court documents do not clarify if he was on duty during his arrest.
Sources identified Rivera Rios as a deportation officer with ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) division to Newsweek. He has been with the agency since 2007, having worked in New York before moving to the ICE Miami Field Office, later operating in Orlando. A screenshot obtained by Newsweek showed an ICE directory listing for Rivera, including his agency email and office information.
ICE’s ERO division handles immigration arrests, detention, and removals. Newsweek sought confirmation from the Department of Homeland Security and ICE regarding Rivera Rios’ employment and arrest consequences. The agencies have yet to reply.
The arrest affidavit did not disclose Rivera Rios’ employer or ICE affiliation. His occupation and business address fields were blank, and he had no legal representation at the time of publication.
Details of the Confrontation
Orlando police Officer Mark Knott responded to a disturbance report at the Raleigh Street apartment complex around 9 a.m. on Wednesday. Jailton Rodrigues reported that while he was inside his apartment, his wife called stating a man was yelling aggressively at her in the parking lot. Upon going outside, Rodrigues found Rivera Rios arguing with his wife.
Attempting to de-escalate, Rodrigues approached the driver’s side of his wife’s truck. A confrontation ensued, with the two men standing close, and Rodrigues used his shoulder to create distance. Rivera Rios allegedly retaliated by grabbing Rodrigues’ neck, leading to breathing difficulties for Rodrigues. An apartment maintenance worker intervened and separated the two, capturing part of the event on a cellphone.
The police affidavit includes a video where the two argue beside the truck before Rodrigues uses his shoulder. Officer Knott noted the video showed Rios grabbing Rodrigues’ neck forcefully. Rodrigues later raised his hands, appearing to submit, before Rios released him. Rodrigues complained of a sore neck and difficulty breathing, and Knott observed a red mark on Rodrigues’ neck.
Contradicting Account
Rivera Rios provided a different perspective, stating he argued with Rodrigues’ wife over her driving before Rodrigues confronted him. Rivera Rios claimed self-defense, asserting he was trying to de-escalate after being pushed.
Following interviews, video review, and injury assessment, Knott identified Rivera Rios as the main aggressor. Video showed Rivera Rios cornering Rodrigues against the truck, leading to his arrest. Knott’s body-worn camera was active during the police response.
Legal Proceedings
Rivera Rios had an initial hearing in Orange County Court on Thursday afternoon. His records showed no bail.