Massachusetts Woman Shares Shocking Video of ICE Agents Breaking Car Window to Detain Husband

In a shocking incident, Marilu Mendez recorded U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents surrounding her car in New Bedford. The footage captures an agent smashing the back passenger window with a hammer. Marilu, who was present with her husband Juan, believes this was a case of mistaken identity; the agents misidentified Juan as “Antonio,” a different resident.

Despite their calls for legal representation, ICE proceeded to break into the vehicle and forcibly removed the couple. “They had no reason to detain him,” Marilu stated during an interview, asserting their compliance with U.S. law while awaiting legal counsel. Juan, a Guatemalan immigrant with no criminal record, is currently held in a detention facility, facing a hearing scheduled for May 7.

Attorney Ondine Galvez Sniffin emphasized their rights were ignored, describing the actions taken against them as brutal. Local officials, including New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell, raised concerns about ICE’s recent operational changes, which lack prior notification to police, heightening potential risks for all involved.

This incident underscores ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement practices and the implications for families striving to navigate the legal system. Community leaders demand clarity on ICE’s operations, questioning whether they focus on serious criminals or engage in broader, indiscriminate detentions.