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Protesters went on the streets Monday seeking accountability from local authorities after federal agents shot them on a vehicle during weekend immigration enforcement work.
Video of the incident, filmed by the son of a driver, a US citizen, shows a federal agent who ordered the vehicle residents to lower their windows. According to footage obtained by KTLA, when the driver refused to identify the officer and requested identification from the officer, one agent shattered the driver’s side window and fired at least three shots as the vehicle drove.
The driver later called the police and claimed that the masked man chased him and fired his car. No one was injured during the first encounter.
Hours later, police headed to the driver’s house on Mountain View Drive, where federal agents and immigration rights advocates gathered. Tensions escalated as protesters demanded they leave the ice. “It doesn’t seem like they’re protecting us,” said an advocate for one community. “They seem to protect these bounty hunters and tricksters.”
By Monday, protesters returned to the police station and alleged that local governments were responsible.
Officials said officers were present solely to manage the crowd and were not involved in immigration enforcement.
The witness described the incident as a chaotic and horrifying thing. “Some of us counted six gunshots,” one neighbor said. Employees in the area reported panic as law enforcement activities intensified.
A spokesman for the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement: “A CBP official was injured when subject refused to leave the vehicle during targeting execution work in San Bernardino and refused to stop the vehicle during the course of the incident.
Police confirmed that the individual was temporarily detained at his home, but was later released.
The Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice, which has supported the family, said the man had no criminal history and was targeted without legal justification. The group said it provides legal assistance and is closely monitoring federal government actions.
Carlos Saucedo contributed to this report.
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