A U.S. citizen was injured during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention in Long Beach, California, over the weekend, prompting calls for an investigation and a review of federal enforcement tactics. Ricardo Gonzalez, a former Long Beach city employee and father, was pinned face-down on a residential street while screaming for help, according to video footage and statements from local officials. Gonzalez was transported to a hospital for treatment after sustaining injuries during the encounter, which occurred Saturday near Locust Avenue and Ellis Street.
Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson confirmed Gonzalez’s U.S. citizenship and said he had spoken directly with the injured man. Richardson described the incident as outrageous and called for accountability from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which has not publicly addressed the matter. The mayor stated Gonzalez had contacted police seeking assistance after observing a group of unmarked vehicles and a crowd gathering in his neighborhood. By the time officers arrived, Gonzalez was on the ground, allegedly struck by a vehicle, and screaming for medical help before being detained by ICE agents.
Gonzalez’s family alleges excessive force
Gonzalez’s daughter, Leslie Gonzalez, shared on social media that her father was shocked with a Taser twice and pinned to the ground before being taken to the hospital. She launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover his medical expenses, stating her father was a hardworking provider who had given her stability and opportunities. The family has not provided further public comment beyond the initial statements.
Police and elected officials respond
The Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) reported responding to a large group disturbance involving ICE agents and found Gonzalez handcuffed and bleeding at the scene. Officers removed his handcuffs at a nearby fire station before transporting him to a hospital for treatment. The LBPD did not specify Gonzalez’s injuries but confirmed he was medically evaluated.
California Rep. Robert Garcia, whose district includes Long Beach, called the incident “incredibly disturbing” and stated Gonzalez is a U.S. citizen. Garcia did not provide additional details but joined Richardson in demanding answers from federal authorities. Richardson filed a formal complaint with DHS, alleging Gonzalez was subjected to repeated Taser use, forcible restraint, and significant injuries during the detention.
What led to the detention remains unclear
Neither ICE nor DHS has publicly commented on the incident, and the agency has not confirmed whether Gonzalez was the intended target of the operation. Video footage reviewed by multiple outlets shows Gonzalez yelling “Help me!” while face-down on the street, with his arm appearing injured. The circumstances surrounding his detention—including whether he was mistaken for another individual—have not been disclosed.
Gonzalez’s case has drawn attention amid ongoing debates over immigration enforcement tactics and the treatment of individuals during arrests. Local leaders and advocacy groups have criticized the use of force in residential areas, while federal agencies have not addressed the specific allegations. The incident has also raised questions about communication gaps between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities during operations.
Next steps and ongoing inquiries
Richardson has called for a full review of the incident, including an explanation from DHS regarding the operation’s objectives and the agents’ actions. The LBPD has not indicated whether it will file a formal complaint against ICE, and no timeline has been set for a federal response. Gonzalez remains hospitalized as of the latest reports, with his family continuing to seek support for his recovery.