Congressman Demands Probe After US Citizen Held by ICE

Federal immigration agents forcibly detained an American citizen in New York City in early May, sparking calls for an investigation into the incident. The event has reignited discussions about the treatment of U.S. citizens by immigration authorities, particularly during the Trump administration's heightened enforcement efforts.

Surveillance and cell phone footage shared by various news outlets captured the incident that occurred on May 6. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were seen with their weapons drawn as they subdued Jeury Concepcion in the Bronx. The footage has raised concerns about how U.S. citizens are being treated during immigration enforcement actions.

Concepcion, who was on his way to get a haircut, told NBC New York that he was followed by multiple masked ICE agents. According to his account, three agents forced him onto the sidewalk. A cellphone video showed officers handcuffing him and pressing him against an unmarked sedan, with his forehead bloodied.

“They threw me on the floor,” Concepcion later told News 12. “I don't know what was going on,” he said, adding that the agents did not ask for his identification.

Concepcion told reporters agents only later realized they made a mistake when they saw his ID and phone. ICE then dropped him off at a park he didn’t know. Concepcion later told reporters he had to get stitches on his head.

"I'm from New York, I was raised and born here," he told News 12. "It shouldn't be no reason why I'm going through none of this, you heard."

DHS: Man was 'combative and refused to identify himself'

In an emailed statement, the Department of Homeland Security, which includes ICE, said it is not arresting American citizens by mistake.

At the time, ICE was conducting what DHS called a targeted enforcement operation, when they encountered a man “who matched the physical description of the target outside of the target’s residence,” the agency’s statement said.

When agents approached him, DHS said he became “combative and refused to identify himself.”

“A large crowd of anti-ICE agitators descended and swarmed officers. For their safety, they temporarily detained the individual to safely finish asking their questions. Once officers finished their questioning, he was promptly released.”

DHS didn’t respond to questions about the need for American citizens to identify themselves to immigration officials or on the tactics that resulted in Concepcion later requiring stitches.

Concepcion could not be reached at the Bronx address listed on his identification card.

ICE incidents expose 'deep rot,' congressman says

In a letter dated May 8, Rep. Ritchie Torres, D-New York, who represents the Bronx, said there was a nearby incident where ICE agents detained another person trying to enter a building. Torres said ICE’s actions in both incidents “exemplify the callous tactics used by this Administration against American citizens and exposes the deep rot that has consumed the agency.”

Torres called on DHS Inspector General Joseph Cuffari to investigate ICE’s actions. The inspector general’s office didn’t immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for comment.

Immigration agents have expanded tactics to profile people who are suspected of being undocumented. Critics have said this amounts to Latinos being unfairly racially profiled.

Veronica Cardenas, an immigration attorney and former ICE assistant chief counsel, said Concepcion’s case reflects so-called “Kavanagh stops,” referring to a recent Supreme Court ruling allowing immigration enforcement stops based only on race, language, location and occupation, which Justice Brett Kavanagh supported. 

“This isn’t just a noncitizen issue, it’s become an American issue,” Cardenas told USA TODAY. “American citizens are now being detained, wrapped up in this.”

She said a fix would be forcing ICE to use judicial warrants, those signed by a court to take someone into custody, not administrative warrants from DHS. That would make sure people are correctly identified to ensure others aren’t ensnared in operations, Cardenas said.

Another issue, she added, is ICE agents wearing masks and plainclothes.

In New York state’s delayed budget, lawmakers recently included a slew of legislation related to federal immigration enforcement that, if passed, would allow the state the right to sue ICE officers for constitutional violations. State legislation would also ban law enforcement from wearing masks on duty.

Eduardo Cuevas is based in New York City. Reach him by email at emcuevas1@CryptoLiveDaily or on Signal at emcuevas.01.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Congressman calls for investigation after US citizen detained by ICE

The incident has led to a call for an investigation from a Democratic congressman. The details of the event have prompted questions about the procedures followed by ICE agents when dealing with U.S. citizens. Many are concerned about the potential for misuse of power and the lack of transparency in such cases.

• Key Details of the Incident
• Jeury Concepcion was detained on May 6 in the Bronx.
• ICE agents were seen with their weapons drawn.
• Concepcion was forced to the ground and handcuffed.
• He was pressed against an unmarked vehicle, resulting in a head injury.

• Agents did not ask for his identification.

• Reactions and Calls for Action

• A Democratic congressman has called for an investigation into the incident.
• The event has sparked renewed debate about ICE practices.
• Concerns have been raised about the treatment of U.S. citizens during immigration enforcement.
• Advocates are calling for greater accountability and transparency.

The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement and the rights of U.S. citizens. As the situation unfolds, there is a growing demand for clarity and accountability from federal agencies involved in immigration enforcement. The public is watching closely to see how this case will be handled and what changes, if any, will be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.