Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) on Sunday accused Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers of breaking the arm of a U.S. citizen during an incident in North Long Beach, California, over the weekend. In a post on X, Garcia described the encounter as a "brutal attack" and said the videos of the incident are "horrific."
"ICE agents brutally attacked and broke the arm of a North Long Beach resident and U.S. citizen. The videos are horrific and should concern not just our community but the country," Garcia wrote. He praised neighbors who documented the scene, adding, "Donald Trump and his inhumane and illegal deportation machine must be stopped. Long Beach stands with our community and our immigrant families. ICE is not welcome in Long Beach. Abolish ICE."
Garcia, who represents California's 42nd District, later reiterated his account during a press conference, confirming the incident took place over the weekend. The congressman's remarks come amid heightened scrutiny of federal immigration enforcement actions under the second Trump administration.
The incident is the latest in a series of confrontations involving ICE and other federal authorities that have resulted in injuries or deaths. In January, federal agents fatally shot two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis—Alex Pretti and Renee Good—sparking widespread backlash and intensifying criticism of the administration's immigration policies. Earlier this month, an ICE officer shot and wounded a man in New York City. The Department of Homeland Security said at the time that the man had a prior grand larceny conviction and multiple arrests.
Garcia's call to abolish ICE aligns with a broader push by progressive lawmakers to dismantle the agency, a stance that has gained traction as enforcement actions draw increased scrutiny. However, the administration has defended its operations, arguing they target individuals with criminal records and pose a threat to public safety.
The White House and ICE have not yet responded to requests for comment on the Long Beach incident. Local authorities have not released an official statement, and it remains unclear whether a formal complaint or investigation has been initiated.
Garcia's allegations come as the political debate over immigration enforcement intensifies, with Democrats increasingly vocal about perceived civil rights violations. The congressman's remarks also highlight ongoing tensions between federal authorities and local communities, particularly in jurisdictions with large immigrant populations. California has been at the forefront of such clashes, with state leaders often challenging federal immigration policies in court.
This incident is likely to fuel further calls for oversight of ICE operations, especially as Democratic lawmakers weigh their political strategies ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The party's base has grown increasingly critical of the administration's immigration agenda, and incidents like this could shape legislative priorities and campaign messaging.
For now, Garcia's account of the Long Beach incident remains unverified by federal authorities, but the congressman's forceful response underscores the deep partisan divide over immigration enforcement. As videos circulate online, the fallout is likely to reverberate in Washington and beyond.
