Four California lawmakers demand independent probe into ICE use of force in Long Beach
Long Beach, California — Four California lawmakers on Wednesday demanded an independent investigation into the use of force by federal immigration agents in an Oct. 17 incident in North Long Beach that left a U.S. citizen injured.
Rep. Nanette Barragán and Rep. Robert García, together with Sens. Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla, sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari asking him to review the encounter and possible civil rights violations.
According to the lawmakers, Ricardo González, a U.S. citizen, was allegedly struck by an unmarked federal vehicle while riding an electric bicycle near 56th Street and Elm Avenue, then repeatedly Tasered and left with a broken arm. Video circulated by the advocacy group StopICE.net shows masked agents pinning him to the ground as he cries out for help, saying his arm was broken. The lawmakers also allege agents failed to provide him with timely medical care.
Federal officials dispute that account: DHS says González was arrested after damaging a government vehicle (smashing a mirror) and that ICE officers "followed their training and used the minimum amount of force." Long Beach police said officers found González handcuffed and bleeding in federal custody; they removed his handcuffs at a fire station, and firefighters transported him to a hospital. The department clarified that its officers did not take part in immigration enforcement and made no arrests.
The lawmakers asked the inspector general to determine whether the use of force complied with federal law, whether González received appropriate medical attention, and whether racial profiling played a role; to remove the agents involved from field duties during the investigation; to preserve body-camera, surveillance and Taser recordings; and to make the findings public. They requested a written acknowledgment within 48 hours and an investigative plan within seven days. The letter follows Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson's call for an independent investigation.
Photo: MyNewsLA
Source: MyNewsLA