Video of shocking arrest explained.
A viral video showing ICE agents smashing through a car window to detain a man in Massachusetts has ignited outrage—and raised serious questions about protocol.
Context of controversial arrest confirmed.
This isn’t the first time ICE has come under fire for aggressive actions during routine enforcement—especially when no warrants are shown.
Marilu is an asylum seeker from Central America, now living in Massachusetts with her husband Juan, who is undocumented but working toward legal status.
Friends describe the couple as quiet, hardworking, and respectful. Juan has reportedly been in the U.S. for over a decade.
Advocates say the case underscores fears among immigrant communities that they could be targeted—even when obeying the law.
Juan’s undocumented status is not the same as having a criminal record. He has no charges or legal violations on record.
Brutal arrest tactic unveiled.
Juan Mendez and his wife Marilu were driving in New Bedford when unmarked vehicles began tailing them. Moments later, they were surrounded.
The ICE agents repeatedly referred to Juan as “Antonio,” according to Marilu. The couple assumed it was a simple—and terrifying—case of mistaken identity.
Immediately, they called their attorney, Ondine Galvez Sniffin, who told them not to exit the car and not to provide any information without legal guidance.
Despite complying and remaining inside, video shows ICE agents smashing the car window with a hammer in a shocking escalation.
According to Marilu, the agents dragged both her and Juan from the car after gaining entry, refusing to answer questions or show a warrant.
“I tried to talk to them and ask if they had an order to detain him. They didn’t respond or show me anything,” she told Telemundo.
Three officers held Juan down while others pulled Marilu away. “We’ve been following the rules,” she said. “That’s why we have a lawyer.”
Their attorney confirmed that Juan has no criminal history and is in the process of formalizing his immigration status.
Galvez Sniffin said her clients exercised their rights and were still met with violence: “They were respectful. They were met with brutality.”
Aftermath of shocking incident profiled.
Juan is now being held at a detention center in Dover, New Hampshire. His immigration hearing is scheduled for May 7.
New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell issued a public statement condemning ICE’s tactics, calling the situation dangerous and destabilizing.
Mitchell noted ICE agents didn’t coordinate with local police, a deviation from usual practice that could have helped deescalate the situation.
He added, “This raises questions that require clearer answers. The public deserves an explanation from the Trump administration.”
Legal experts are warning that ICE’s apparent disregard for due process could set a chilling precedent for others in similar situations.
Organizations like the ACLU are demanding an investigation, arguing that ICE violated civil rights and bypassed judicial oversight.
“They treated us like criminals,” Marilu told NBC. “But we have never broken the law. We were just driving.”
Reactions to incident highlighted.
Footage shared online has racked up hundreds of thousands of views, fueling public anger and calls for ICE accountability.
Critics say the use of a hammer to smash a civilian car window—especially without a warrant—falls outside normal protocol.
Residents in the area say the event has left the local immigrant community rattled. “If it happened to them, it can happen to us.”
Mayor Mitchell urged ICE to return to its policy of coordinating with local departments to prevent dangerous confrontations.
Galvez Sniffin hinted that legal action may be forthcoming: “We are exploring every possible avenue to seek justice.”
Has ICE gone too far?
The story has ignited renewed debate over how ICE conducts its operations and the lack of transparency behind its arrests.
Their lawyer commended the couple for remaining calm, stating their rights, and not giving in to fear or intimidation.
All eyes are now on the upcoming court date that could determine whether Juan will be allowed to stay or be deported.
Despite no warrant, no criminal record, and full cooperation, Juan Mendez was still taken into custody in front of his wife.
And with ICE calling him “Antonio” throughout the encounter, the entire harrowing ordeal may have started with the wrong name.