A recent incident in New Bedford, Massachusetts, has ignited widespread concern over U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) enforcement tactics. On April 14, 2025, ICE agents forcibly detained Juan Francisco Mendez, a 29-year-old Guatemalan asylum seeker with no criminal record, by smashing his car window with a hammer while he was en route to a dental appointment with his wife, Marilu Domingo Ortiz .AP News+1People.com+1
The arrest was captured on video by Ortiz, showing agents breaking the window and dragging Mendez from the vehicle. Ortiz and their 9-year-old son, both granted asylum due to fears of persecution in Guatemala, were present during the arrest. Mendez was in the process of applying for derivative asylum, a status extended to family members of those already granted asylum. Despite presenting documentation of his pending application, ICE agents reportedly disregarded the paperwork and proceeded with the arrest .AP News+1People.com+1
ICE officials stated they were searching for a different individual named “Antonio,” a former resident of the same building where Mendez lived. However, Mendez’s attorney, Ondine Galvez-Sniffin, emphasized that her client was misidentified and criticized the aggressive tactics used during the arrest. She noted that Mendez had been in the U.S. for four years, working in the seafood industry, and had no criminal background .People.com+1AP News+1AP News+1People.com+1
The incident has drawn criticism from local officials, including New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell, who questioned the necessity and communication surrounding ICE’s actions. He raised concerns about whether ICE agents are targeting criminals, as previously stated by the Trump administration, or engaging in indiscriminate enforcement against individuals with uncertain immigration status .AP News+1People.com+1
Mendez is currently being held at a facility in Dover, New Hampshire. A federal judge has ruled that the government must provide his attorneys with 72 hours’ notice before transferring him, allowing time to determine the next steps in his case .AP News+1People.com+1
This event adds to growing scrutiny over ICE’s enforcement methods, particularly concerning the use of force and the treatment of individuals without criminal records. Advocates and legal experts argue that such tactics may violate constitutional rights and call for increased oversight and accountability within the agency.AP News+1People.com+1
As the debate over immigration enforcement continues, incidents like Mendez’s arrest highlight the complexities and human impact of current policies. The case underscores the need for transparent procedures and respect for due process in immigration operations.
