A Long Beach man, reportedly a U.S. citizen, suffered a broken arm during an encounter with ICE agents in a residential area. Videos from the Saturday incident show him, face down in a gutter, handcuffed, and asking for help. The tactics used by federal immigration agents have ignited public outrage. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has yet to comment.
Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson expressed his anger over the situation. He spoke with Ricardo Gonzalez, the injured man, who is a former city employee and father. Richardson emphasized that Gonzalez’s kids should feel safe and not witness such incidents. He stated that Gonzalez identified himself as a U.S. citizen.
On Monday, Mayor Richardson filed a complaint with the DHS Office of Inspector General. He requested an independent investigation into the use-of-force incident. He also demanded that the involved ICE agents be removed from field enforcement until the investigation is complete.
“Ricardo is a dad. He just wants his kids to feel safe. He shouldn’t have to worry about being injured, being hit by a car. Kids should not have to see their parent detained, whether you’re a U.S. citizen or not,” Richardson said.
According to Gonzalez, he called 911 after observing unmarked vehicles and a gathering crowd. However, when police arrived, Gonzalez was on the ground, injured by a vehicle. His daughter, Leslie Gonzalez, recounted that her father was shocked by a Taser twice and then pinned to the ground before being hospitalized. The family has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to cover his medical expenses.
Long Beach Police Department confirmed receiving a request for assistance from DHS and ICE due to reported vehicle vandalism and a need for medical aid. Officers transported Gonzalez to a fire station where paramedics then took him to the hospital. Police worked to de-escalate the situation and disperse the crowd.
Eyewitness Sherman Austin, a Long Beach resident and volunteer, observed unmarked vehicles. He saw a vehicle speed through stop signs, leading to the scene where Gonzalez was found injured. Austin noted that Gonzalez’s broken arm was visible while restrained by agents.
Neighbors confronted ICE agents, pleading with police officers to intervene. The community expressed anger over the harsh tactics used, especially with other individuals reportedly detained.
Mayor Richardson has demanded answers about the necessity of force and injury circumstances. Richardson’s complaint to the Inspector General emphasized that no one, including federal agents, is above the law. He urged the DHS to clarify the broader enforcement operation’s purpose.
Congressman Robert Garcia described the event as horrifying in a public statement. He praised local witnesses for documenting the incident and supporting Gonzalez’s family. However, First Assistant U.S. Atty. Bill Essayli countered, accusing Garcia of inciting obstruction of ICE efforts. Essayli argued that such incidents could be reduced if targets complied with lawful commands.
At this time, the Department of Justice has not initiated a criminal case against Gonzalez. Questions remain regarding the true intentions of Saturday’s operation. The incident adds to concerns about increased immigration enforcement coinciding with the elections.
Gonzalez’s LinkedIn profile depicts him as a dedicated Long Beach employee with years of public service. Despite setbacks, he maintains a positive outlook and commitment to his community.