UPDATE: A U.S. citizen, Carlos Jimenez, was shot by an ICE agent on October 30, 2023, in Ontario, California, raising serious concerns over law enforcement tactics during immigration operations. Jimenez’s attorney, Greg Jackson, vehemently disputes ICE’s claims that his client attempted to ram officers with his vehicle.
The incident occurred at approximately 6:30 a.m. in the 2800 block of South Vineyard Avenue. According to ICE, Jimenez allegedly drove his car toward officers, prompting an agent to open fire from the rear passenger window. However, Jackson asserts that Jimenez was merely trying to alert the agents about their dangerous positioning near a school bus stop.
In a press statement, Jackson explained, “Mr. Jimenez had no intention of harming anyone. He was trying to ensure the safety of children who would soon arrive at the bus stop.” He further detailed that an officer drew his weapon and yelled at Jimenez, escalating the situation. Jackson claims that Jimenez was simply attempting to comply with the officer’s commands when he was shot in the shoulder.
After the shooting, Jimenez drove himself to his home at a nearby mobile home park and sought medical assistance. However, Jackson alleges that when the FBI arrived at the hospital, they took Jimenez into custody before he received proper treatment. “They provided him bags for vomiting and a superficial bandage, but no actual medical care,” Jackson said.
Jimenez has since been booked into the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga, facing a felony charge for assault on a federal officer. ICE has stated that assaults on their agents have surged by 1,000%, with threats against them increasing by 8,000%. “This violence must end,” ICE declared, emphasizing their commitment to prosecuting anyone who threatens federal officers.
On October 30, Jimenez appeared in federal court, was released on a $10,000 bond, and is now required to wear an ankle monitor. Jackson points out that the same federal judge overseeing Jimenez’s case also presided over another incident involving ICE agents in San Bernardino, where charges were later dropped.
“This situation has deeply shaken Carlos,” Jackson remarked, highlighting Jimenez’s community-oriented background as a donation coordinator at a local food pantry. “He loves giving back and had no desire to hurt anyone.”
As this story develops, Jimenez is considering filing a claim for damages against the federal government. The implications of this incident raise critical questions about the conduct of federal officers in immigration enforcement operations across the country.
Readers are urged to stay informed as more details emerge regarding this troubling case and the broader context of law enforcement practices in immigration sweeps.
