A vehicle collision involving agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement led to a tense scene near State Street and Liberty Boulevard in South Gate.
Video shows ICE agents attempting to detain the driver of another vehicle following the crash. While the full circumstances leading up to the collision have not yet been released, federal agents are authorized to conduct enforcement actions and detain individuals when they believe probable cause exists.
In the footage, agents place their hands on the driver and attempt to secure him in handcuffs. Bystanders can be heard shouting, with one witness claiming, “They’re putting hands on him!” as tensions escalate.
The driver states that he was hit and identifies himself as disabled. However, it remains unclear from the video whether agents were conducting an active enforcement operation at the time of the crash or whether the attempted detention was related to a broader investigation.
As a crowd begins to gather, one agent appears to warn bystanders to step back and indicates that pepper spray could be used if the situation continues to escalate. Crowd control measures are standard protocol when officers believe their safety or the safety of others may be at risk.
Law enforcement officers are trained to secure scenes quickly following vehicle collisions tied to enforcement actions, particularly when operational security or officer safety may be involved.
Officials have not yet released a full statement clarifying whether the driver was arrested, cited, or released. Additional details are expected following internal review of body camera footage and reports.
The video is now circulating widely online, drawing strong reactions as viewers debate what unfolded.
Watch the full footage below to see the interaction as it happened.
