Homeland Security Officers Engage in Shooting Incident
Federal authorities are currently investigating a recent shooting incident involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in Ontario, California. This event marks the second shooting involving ICE in just over a week, highlighting ongoing enforcement operations across the state.
Shooting Incident Details
The incident occurred on Thursday at approximately 6:30 a.m. during a vehicle stop in the 2800 block of Vineyard Avenue. According to Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, the ICE officers were not targeting the driver involved in the shooting.
- Time of Incident: Approximately 6:30 a.m.
- Location: 2800 block of Vineyard Avenue, Ontario, California
During the stop, a driver not connected to the enforcement operation pulled their vehicle in front of the officers. When ordered to exit the vehicle, the driver attempted to evade the officers by reversing directly towards them. An ICE officer, fearing for his safety, fired defensive shots at the vehicle.
The individual fled the scene but later identified as Carlos Jimenez, a 24-year-old U.S. citizen. Jimenez’s family stated he was en route to work at a food bank when the shooting transpired. After sustaining a gunshot wound to his shoulder, he was transported to the hospital by his wife.
Family and Community Response
Jimenez’s family expressed disbelief at his involvement in the incident. His older brother, Francisco Jimenez, emphasized that Carlos is dedicated to his family and community, often assisting at the food bank where he works.
Neighbor Richard Ermer reported hearing gunshots and screeching tires early that morning. Javier Hernandez, executive director of the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice, mentioned that community members arrived shortly after the event. Hernandez voiced concerns regarding the heavy-handed tactics of ICE officers.
Broader Context of ICE Operations
This shooting incident is part of a troubling trend involving ICE officers in aggressive confrontations. Recent events include:
- A shooting incident in South Los Angeles where an armed individual was shot after allegedly attempting to ram ICE vehicles.
- A separate incident in Phoenix where an ICE agent discharged their weapon during a traffic stop.
- Previous shootings in Chicago, including one fatality, attributed to ICE and Border Patrol.
Calls for Accountability
In response to the incident, Rep. Norma Torres (D-Pomona) criticized ICE for not providing information regarding the shooting despite requests. She called for a transparent investigation and the immediate release of all relevant footage and witness accounts to ensure accountability.
The FBI is assisting in the investigation, with an evidence response team dispatched to the scene. The Ontario Police Department has clarified that its officers were not involved in the initial encounter but provided support as investigators assessed the situation.
This ongoing investigation into the shooting involving ICE officers reflects the escalating tensions surrounding immigration enforcement practices in the United States.
