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Auto body shop owner and employee detained by CBP during forced door entry without warrant

Feb 3, 2026 · West Valley City, UT, El Salvador

Ismael Avalos, owner of Viper Auto Body in West Valley City, and his employee Wilmer Menjivar were detained by CBP agents during a forced entry on January 31, 2026. Menjivar, a Salvadoran national with no criminal record, believed he was being followed by unmarked vehicles as he arrived at work, ran into the shop, and locked the door behind him. Agents then broke through the locked glass door, entered the business, and detained both men. Menjivar's wife, Lilly, confronted agents and asked for a warrant; an agent responded that one was not needed. An immigration attorney stated the circumstances raise serious Fourth Amendment concerns, as agents lacked a judicial warrant and no legal exceptions for warrantless entry appeared to apply. Menjivar's family believes the men were profiled based on appearance and ethnicity. Community activists later protested the arrests.

Timeline

Feb 3, 2026Community activists and Avalos's brother gather at shop to protest the arrests.
Feb 1, 2026Immigration attorney reviews case and identifies serious Fourth Amendment concerns regarding warrantless forced entry without exigent circumstances.
Jan 31, 2026Wilmer Menjivar arrives at Viper Auto Body, believes he is being followed by unmarked vehicles, runs into shop and locks door. CBP agents break through locked glass door, enter business, and detain Menjivar and owner Ismael Avalos.
Jan 31, 2026Menjivar's wife confronts agents at scene and asks for warrant; agent states warrant is not needed. Video of confrontation is captured.

Sources

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