A video showing an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) vehicle appearing to strike a pedestrian has sparked condemnation from lawmakers who are seeking answers about the incident, but the Department of Homeland Security denied it in a statement shared with Newsweek. The video footage shows him flipping over and falling to the ground. The spokesperson said that an “agitator” had “jumped onto the hood of an ICE vehicle and the officer driving applied the brakes,” and the person then “slid off the hood.” The incident is currently being investigated.
A common thread has emerged in several controversial ICE shootings: claims that a motorist was attempting to use a vehicle as a weapon against federal agents. Immigration authorities have relied on that explanation in cases involving U.S. citizens, including Renee Good and Ruben Ray Martinez, whose deaths drew renewed scrutiny after records revealed ICE's involvement had not been publicly disclosed for months. Supporters of the agency say the incidents demonstrate the dangers agents face in the field, while critics argue the repeated reliance on vehicle-threat allegations highlights the need for independent investigations and greater transparency whenever immigration operations end in civilian deaths.
Moreida spoke at the City of Woodland, California, City Council after the incident. Moreida was trying to document suspected ICE activity in the area, according to KXTV-TV Sacramento. It was not my intent to get hit,” he said, per KXTV-TV Sacramento.
The Yolo County District Attorney said in a social media statement that they are “aware of today’s events involving ICE agents,” but because of an “active investigation,” they cannot comment. The Woodland Police Department said in a statement that it is “actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.” Police Chief Ryan Kinnan said, “I’ve seen the video myself, and I find it very troubling. I understand why people in our community are upset and worried.” The Woodland Police Department added that they did not participate in the federal operation and that their role is “to investigate this collision independently and establish the facts.” “The federal agency has been notified, and we have requested its full cooperation,” they added.
Newsweek has contacted the Woodland Police Department via email for further comment. After the incident, lawmakers have called for answers. Representative Mike Thompson, a California Democrat whose district includes Yolo County, said in a statement that “ICE cannot continue to terrorize our communities.
Democrats WILL investigate their abuses when we win back Congress.” The incident comes amid reports of increased enforcement activity in California as of early October. Padilla, alongside Democratic Senator Adam Schiff and Republican Representative Adam Gray, demanded answers from ICE in response to increased activity in the area of Mendota earlier this month. Federal immigration laws must be enforced, but how that happens matters.
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