Mayor Demands Investigation into ICE’s Use of Force in Long Beach

Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson has called for an independent investigation into U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) actions after a video surfaced showing federal agents restraining and handcuffing a man. The incident, which local officials claim resulted in injury, involved Ricardo Gonzalez, a resident and former city employee. The footage appears to depict Gonzalez pinned down in a gutter, alleging his arm was broken.

Mayor Richardson expressed outrage at the incident in a formal complaint to the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Office of Inspector General. He emphasized that a federal badge does not permit the mistreatment of individuals or the denial of medical aid.

According to reports, Gonzalez informed Richardson that he is a U.S. citizen. DHS defended ICE’s actions, asserting that its officers adhered to their training and applied the minimum necessary force. The agency stated they were conducting a targeted operation to arrest an ‘at-large criminal illegal alien’ when protesters interfered with the operation, allegedly threatening officers and damaging government vehicles.

“ICE did NOT hit an individual on a bike. An individual was arrested after he smashed the mirror of a government vehicle. Resisting arrest is dangerous and can result in injury,” the agency stated.

DHS is reviewing potential charges concerning damage to a government vehicle. Mayor Richardson’s complaint highlights the reported failure of agents to provide medical assistance, claiming Gonzalez was repeatedly subjected to Taser usage and incurred significant injuries.

Leslie Gonzalez, Ricardo’s daughter, launched a GoFundMe campaign claiming her father was struck by an unmarked federal vehicle while on his e-bike, subsequently tased twice, and pinned down. She shared that he is hospitalized with serious injuries.

“My Dad is one of the hardest working men out there. Because of him, I have a roof over my head and all the opportunities around me,” she wrote. “What ICE did was not right.”

Democratic Representative Robert Garcia, representing Long Beach, publicly criticized ICE agents for allegedly breaking Gonzalez’s arm. He described the event as brutal and concerning on a national level.

The Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) stated federal immigration officials requested emergency assistance for vehicle vandalism and medical aid. Officers encountered a large disturbance with ICE agents and assisted in calming the situation. They provided medical assistance by transporting Gonzalez to a fire station and subsequently a hospital. LBPD clarified that they did not engage in immigration enforcement nor made any arrests at the scene.