Off-Duty ICE Agent Arrested After Confrontation in California

An off-duty U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent was arrested after being shot by a 72-year-old man whom he allegedly attacked outside the man’s home in Fresno, California.

Police responded to the incident around 3:20 a.m. on Friday after multiple 911 calls reported a gunshot in the area of East Dudley and North Broadway Street, according to the Fresno Police Department. Upon arrival, officers found a man in handcuffs with a gunshot wound to his midsection. The man was identified as David Gonzalez, 32, from Texas, who was an off-duty federal agent assigned to ICE.

This incident coincided with increased scrutiny of the Trump administration’s strict immigration policies. The scrutiny intensified after an ICE agent shot a man in the neck during an arrest in New York City the day before, leading to public protests.

Off-Duty Agent Was ‘Intoxicated and Agitated’

Investigators found that a woman had returned home to find Gonzalez asleep on her front lawn. She informed her 72-year-old father, with whom she lived. He went outside to ask Gonzalez to leave. When awakened, Gonzalez appeared intoxicated and agitated, according to the police. He then allegedly assaulted the 72-year-old, causing visible injuries and forcing him to the ground.

When the man’s daughter attempted to help, police said Gonzalez attacked her as well, causing her to fall. Fearing for their safety, the victim used a firearm to shoot Gonzalez. Shortly after, the daughter’s boyfriend, an off-duty police officer, arrived and placed Gonzalez in handcuffs.

Gonzalez was taken by ambulance to a hospital for treatment. He was in custody facing felony assault charges, while the injury of the man and his daughter were being assessed. Police withheld the names of the man and his daughter.

72-Year-Old Won’t Face Charges

The 72-year-old man will not face criminal charges based on the investigation, as he legally owned the firearm used in the incident. Authorities stated there was no clear motive for Gonzalez being in that area at that time, confirming he was off-duty and alone.

The Fresno Police Department, the Department of Homeland Security, and ICE have been contacted for additional comments. Fresno Police emphasized that there was no conflict between the department’s officers and ICE officials. ICE has initiated its own internal investigation into the events.

Gonzalez remains in the custody of Fresno Police. The investigation continues as detectives seek more witnesses and video evidence. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Fresno Police Department at 559-621-7000 or CrimeStoppers at 498-STOP.