A Honduran family publicly denounced the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for the use of excessive force during the detention of Juan Francisco Méndez, a migrant who, according to his attorney, had a pending asylum application.
The arrest took place on Monday in the city of New Bedford, Massachusetts, and was recorded on video by Méndez's wife, Marilú Domingo Ortiz, as reported by the Univisión channel.
In the shocking images, ICE agents are seen smashing the family vehicle's window with a hammer, then forcefully removing Méndez and his wife.
The family claims that the migrant was on his way to a medical appointment when he was intercepted, without prior notice, by the agents.
“When I arrived at the scene, my client’s wife was sobbing, crying, shaking,” recounted Ondine Gálvez-Sniffin, the family’s attorney. “Méndez was shouting ‘help me!’ as they took him away in handcuffs. I was shocked to see the glass scattered all over the back seat.”
Gálvez-Sniffin confirmed that Méndez, who has been living in the U.S. for four years and works in the seafood industry, has no criminal record and completed the fingerprinting process last December as part of his asylum application. According to the lawyer, ICE agents refused to review the documentation that demonstrated his pending immigration status.
"There was really no reason to treat him and his wife the way they were treated," Gálvez-Sniffin reported. "My biggest concern, as well as his family's, is to get him back."
Méndez is believed to be currently held in a detention center in Dover, New Hampshire.
ICE has not commented on the incident, which has raised concerns among local leaders. New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell expressed on social media that the case "raises questions that require clear answers," including why local police were not alerted and whether ICE's tactics align with the commitment to only arrest individuals with a criminal history.
The Méndez family has asylum protection: his wife and their nine-year-old son are already covered under a status due to the risk of persecution if they return to Honduras.
This new case adds to a series of controversial arrests made by ICE in New England. Last month, immigration agent Brian Sullivan was found guilty of contempt by a judge in Boston after detaining Wilson Martell-Lebron as he was leaving a courthouse. The Suffolk County District Attorney described that action as "concerning and extraordinarily reckless."
Furthermore, the Turkish student Rumeysa Ozturk from Tufts University reported her detention after being surrounded by immigration officials while walking through a suburb of Boston. The video shows how they snatch her phone and handcuff her while she screams. Her legal team is also demanding her immediate release.
Frequently Asked Questions about ICE Detentions and Migrant Rights
Why was Juan Francisco Méndez detained by ICE if he had a pending asylum application?
Juan Francisco Méndez was detained by ICE despite having a pending asylum application. According to his lawyer, the agents refused to review the documentation that proved his pending immigration status. The use of excessive force during his arrest was captured on video, raising concerns among local leaders and his family.
What rights do migrants have during ICE operations?
Migrants have constitutional rights, regardless of their immigration status. It is essential that ICE agents present a court-issued warrant to enter a location, and individuals have the right to remain silent and not sign documents without consulting a lawyer.
What is the I-220A form and how does it affect Cuban migrants?
The I-220A form is known as the "Order of Supervision." It allows the release of individuals from federal custody under certain conditions, such as appearing at immigration hearings. However, it is not considered an official admission into the country, which complicates the possibility of adjusting immigration status, especially for Cubans who were hoping to obtain permanent residency under the Cuban Adjustment Act.
Why is the use of aggressive tactics by ICE in arrests being criticized?
The use of aggressive and deceptive tactics by ICE has been criticized because it creates fear and uncertainty in immigrant communities. These tactics include surprise arrests and refusal to review valid immigration documentation, which has resulted in traumatic situations for migrants and their families.
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