BREAKING: Gunfire erupted during a federal immigration operation in San Bernardino this morning, sending shockwaves through the community. At approximately 9 a.m., local police responded to reports of an officer-involved shooting involving agents from the Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Eyewitness accounts describe a chaotic scene near Acacia Avenue and Baseline Street, where federal agents opened fire on a vehicle after an alleged attempted escape by the driver. According to the San Bernardino Police Department, a man contacted dispatch claiming masked men had shattered his car window and fired shots at him. The unidentified victim was clearly shaken, stating he did not know who was pursuing him and urgently requested police assistance.
In a statement released later today, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security explained that the agents were engaged in a targeted enforcement operation. The official stated, “CBP officers were injured during a vehicle stop when a subject refused to exit his vehicle and tried to run them down.” The spokesperson confirmed that a CBP officer discharged his weapon in self-defense following an incident where the suspect allegedly struck two officers with his vehicle.
Video shared by the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice captured the moments leading up to the shooting, showing agents demanding the driver roll down his window. The driver’s refusal was met with the sound of shattering glass and gunfire, raising immediate concerns about the use of deadly force against civilians. “This was a clear abuse of power,” the coalition stated, denouncing the actions of the federal agents and calling for an end to harassment of families without cause.
Authorities later located the vehicle in the 1000 block of Mt. View Drive, but police reported uncertainty regarding the original intent of the federal agents. Under the California Values Act, local law enforcement is restricted from assisting with immigration enforcement, compelling officers to step back as federal authorities took over the investigation.
A DHS spokesperson mistakenly identified the responding agency as the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, claiming local authorities had the suspect in custody, only to subsequently release him. This sparked criticism and concern over the effectiveness of California’s sanctuary policies, with the spokesperson labeling it a “terrible example.”
As tensions escalated, federal officials called for police assistance at 1:12 p.m. when a large crowd gathered as they attempted to arrest the suspect, who was reportedly wanted for assaulting a federal officer. This led to police supporting crowd control measures, further complicating the situation in the area.
Community members expressed outrage over the incident, with the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice alleging that agents did not present a warrant and pressured individuals to come outside their homes for hours. Reports also indicated that two community members were detained using excessive force, further igniting public discontent.
The San Bernardino Police Department clarified that this incident did not relate to immigration enforcement, stating, “This was not an immigration-related arrest, which would be prohibited under California law.”
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, with federal officials scrutinizing the circumstances surrounding the incident, raising pressing questions about the conduct of federal agents and the implications for community safety.
As developments unfold, local residents and advocacy groups continue to call for accountability and transparency from both federal and local authorities. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
