Long Beach mayor presses DHS after ICE detains man claiming citizenship in chaotic street incident
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Videos of an ICE detention in Long Beach have led Mayor Rex Richardson to request a DHS inspector general review, after Ricardo Gonzalez said he is a U.S. citizen and later reported injuries during the encounter. Officials say the case should be examined, while federal authorities point to compliance with lawful commands.
A Long Beach resident, identified as Ricardo Gonzalez, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on Saturday in a residential area near Locust Avenue and Ellis Street. Video footage captured Gonzalez screaming for help and claiming his arm was broken while ICE agents restrained him on the ground. The incident sparked concern among neighbors and local officials.
Mayor Rex Richardson said he was "outraged" by the recordings and confirmed that Gonzalez told him he is a U.S. citizen. Richardson filed a complaint with the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, requesting an independent investigation and asking that the agents involved be removed from field enforcement until the inquiry is completed.
According to the mayor, Gonzalez called 911 for de-escalation support after noticing unmarked vehicles and a crowd gathering in his neighborhood. Police arrived after the detention, removed Gonzalez’s handcuffs at a fire station, and paramedics transported him to a hospital for treatment of serious injuries.
Sherman Austin, a local volunteer who monitors ICE activity, said he observed unmarked vehicles speeding through stop signs before seeing Gonzalez on the ground with his e-bike overturned. He described ICE agents keeping a knee on Gonzalez’s back while his arm appeared to be broken and noted that the agents did not provide medical assistance.
Long Beach Police stated they had received a request for assistance from DHS and ICE due to vehicle vandalism and a subject in need of medical aid. Officers remained on scene to de-escalate the crowd and directed onlookers away.
U.S. Representative Robert Garcia described the videos as "horrifying" and urged that the incident be investigated. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli responded by suggesting that compliance with lawful commands could reduce such incidents.
The Department of Justice indicated there is no criminal case involving Gonzalez and referred further questions to DHS. The mayor emphasized that a federal badge does not give anyone a license to ignore constitutional rights or deny medical assistance.