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Erick Z.: U.S. citizen special education student detained, wrist broken by ICE

Erick Zepeda, a 20-year-old U.S. citizen and special-education student in Santa Maria, was detained by ICE agents walking to class and suffered a broken wrist, black eye and cuts before being hospitalized.

Oct 21, 2026Santa Maria, CA

Erick Z.: U.S. citizen special education student detained, wrist broken by ICE
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Erick Zepeda, a 20-year-old U.S. citizen and adult special-education student at Santa Maria High School, was detained by ICE agents Wednesday morning while walking to school. His former special education teacher and mentor, Glenn Goldin, said Zepeda suffered a wrist broken in two places, a black eye and lacerations, and told Goldin he feared the agents would kill him. ICE said agents briefly detained someone during a targeted enforcement operation after mistaking him for someone else, denied he suffered broken bones, and alleged he resisted officers and assumed a fighting stance. Zepeda was released about a half mile from campus and continued walking to school, where administrators called an ambulance after seeing his injuries. He was taken to Marian Regional Medical Center for treatment.

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