Controversy Surrounds ICE Detention in Long Beach

A Long Beach man named Ricardo Gonzalez endured a frightening ordeal as federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detained him. Videos of Gonzalez’s detention, which took place in a residential area in North Long Beach, have sparked widespread outrage over both the methods used by the agents and the lack of transparency from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The incident occurred on a Saturday, with Gonzalez being pinned, face down, in a gutter and handcuffed by ICE agents. In the video, Gonzalez screamed, “Help me! Help me! My arm is broken, it hurts!” His cries for help have led to public outcry and a call for answers from the Department of Homeland Security regarding the operation.

Horrified by the events, Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson expressed his outrage over the recordings. He spoke to Gonzalez, identifying him as a former city employee and a father. Richardson emphasized the need for security and safety for Gonzalez’s children, stating, “Kids should not have to see their parent detained, whether you’re a U.S. citizen or not.” Gonzalez confirmed to Richardson that he is indeed a U.S. citizen.

Richardson took action by filing a complaint with the DHS Office of Inspector General. He requested an independent investigation into the use-of-force incident and sought the removal of all involved agents from field enforcement until the investigation is completed.

Before the incident, Gonzalez had made a 911 call seeking de-escalation support as he noticed unmarked vehicles and people gathering in his neighborhood. When officers arrived at the location near Locust Avenue and Ellis Street, Gonzalez was already on the ground, pleading for medical assistance after reportedly being hit by a vehicle.

Leslie Gonzalez, his daughter, recounted on social media that her father had been shocked with a Taser twice, subsequently pinned to the ground, and taken to the hospital for severe injuries. The family has created a GoFundMe campaign to assist with the mounting medical expenses.

Reflecting on her father, Leslie wrote, “My Dad is one of the hardest working men out there. Because of him I have a roof over my head and I have all the opportunities around me. Our family is everything because of him. We ask for your support and prayers during this awful time. What ICE did was not right.” Leslie also mentioned the family’s difficulties in the aftermath, declining further questions until her father is ready to speak.

Sherman Austin, a local volunteer with the rapid response network that tracks ICE activities, witnessed unmarked cars in the area. He followed one vehicle that sped off, disregarding stop signs, and found Gonzalez on the ground near another unmarked car, with his e-bike overturned. Austin described, “They just kept their knee in his back and put handcuffs on him while his arm was broken. You could see the bone in his arm separating.” Neighbors gathered and confronted ICE agents, requesting intervention from Long Beach police officers who had arrived on the scene.

According to the Long Beach Police Department, they assisted DHS and ICE following a request regarding vehicle vandalism and an individual’s need for medical aid. Officers took Gonzalez to a nearby fire station, removed his handcuffs, and paramedics transported him to a hospital. Police officers remained to de-escalate tensions and manage onlookers.

Mayor Richardson raised questions about the incident. He asked why force was necessary, why a vehicle hit Gonzalez, and why agents didn’t offer medical aid. He demanded DHS provide answers and clarify the broader enforcement operation’s purpose and scope. Richardson emphasized, “A federal badge is not a license to brutalize people, disregard their constitutional rights, or deny medical assistance to someone in need. No one is above the law, including the agents entrusted with enforcing it.”

U.S. Rep. Robert Garcia expressed his concern, stating that the videos of the encounter were shocking. “ICE agents brutally attacked and broke the arm of a North Long Beach resident and U.S. citizen,” he wrote, applauding the neighbors who stood for Gonzalez’s family.

In contrast, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli accused Garcia of encouraging interference with ICE operations. Essayli contended that such incidents might decrease if individuals complied with lawful commands.

Meanwhile, a Department of Justice spokesperson said there was no criminal case against Gonzalez, directing inquiries to DHS. The spokesperson didn’t clarify if Essayli was suggesting Gonzalez interfered with the operation.

Richardson described Gonzalez as a valued member of the Long Beach community. The mayor stated, “You should not be able to drive around in our neighborhoods chasing people down and hitting them with your cars. That’s not OK in America.” Gonzalez boasts a history of roles within the city and possesses considerable experience in customer service and data entry, maintaining positivity despite challenges.