Long Beach Man’s Detention by ICE Sparks Outrage and Calls for Investigation
A disturbing incident in Long Beach has raised serious concerns regarding the tactics used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. A video captured federal agents pinning Ricardo Gonzalez, a Long Beach resident, in a gutter and handcuffing him while he screamed about his injured arm.
This incident occurred in a residential area of North Long Beach and has sparked outrage over the methods employed by federal immigration agents. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has not provided any comments regarding the operation, despite requests from media outlets.
Local Reaction
Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson expressed his dismay over the recordings. He has communicated with Ricardo Gonzalez, a former city employee. Gonzalez reported being a U.S. citizen and expressed his desire for his children to feel safe. Amid concerns, Richardson filed a complaint with the DHS Office of Inspector General to seek an independent investigation into the use-of-force incident. He requested the removal of all involved agents from field duties until the investigation concludes.
Incident Details
According to Mayor Richardson, Gonzalez made a 911 call for police assistance after observing unmarked vehicles and a gathering crowd near his neighborhood. By the time officers arrived near Locust Avenue and Ellis Street, Ricardo Gonzalez had been hit by a vehicle and was pleading for medical assistance.
Leslie Gonzalez, Ricardo’s daughter, recounted that her father was shocked twice with a Taser before being taken to a hospital for his serious injuries. The family has started a GoFundMe campaign to cover medical expenses.
“My Dad is one of the hardest working men out there. Because of him, I have a roof over my head and opportunities. Our family is everything because of him,” Leslie Gonzalez wrote.
Witness Accounts
Sherman Austin, a local volunteer, noted that he witnessed unmarked vehicles, one of which he followed as it sped through the area. He saw Ricardo Gonzalez on the ground beside an unmarked car, restrained despite his visible injuries.
Neighbors gathered and clashed with ICE agents, pleading with police to address what they witnessed. Officers eventually transported Gonzalez to a fire station and removed his handcuffs, enabling paramedics to take him to a hospital.
Political and Community Reactions
Mayor Richardson questions the necessity of force and demands DHS clarify the operation’s purpose. U.S. Rep. Robert Garcia condemned the incident, noting the videos should alarm the nation. In contrast, First Assistant U.S. Atty. Bill Essayli accused Congress of inciting obstruction of ICE agents.
There have been no criminal charges filed against Gonzalez. The Department of Justice deferred all questions to DHS.
Mayor Richardson strongly criticized the aggressive tactics, emphasizing that such actions are unacceptable. He underscored Gonzalez’s positive reputation within the Long Beach city community, reinforcing his disbelief over the distressing occurrence.