U.S. Citizen Livestreams Detention as Federal Agents Smash Car Window
Feb 1, 2026·Location: El Monte, CA
DetainmentU.S. CitizenUse of ForceUnlawful Arrest/EntryPublic Space/StreetObserver/BystanderResistanceCalifornia
Maria Santay, a U.S. citizen and community observer, livestreamed her detainment by federal immigration agents at an El Monte gas station on February 1, 2026. Agents surrounded her vehicle and broke her car window with a hammer while she recorded on Instagram. She was detained and released Friday evening with charges including resisting arrest.
Sources
- Man films Border Patrol agents smashing his car window in Charlotte
Associated Press·Nov 15, 2025·archived copy
- Woman livestreams detainment as federal agents smash car window in SoCal: 'Lord, please protect me'
abc7chicago.com·Jan 31, 2026·archived copy
abc11.com·Jan 31, 2026·archived copy
- Woman livestreams ICE detainment as agents smash window in El Monte
abc7.com·Jan 31, 2026·archived copy
- Maria Santay livestreams detainment as federal immigration agents smash car window in El Monte, California
- Charlotte Observer
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