HUMSI — Human Security Initiative

Human Impact Project

A living database documenting reported immigration enforcement incidents and their human impact.

Disabled carpenter beaten by ICE, shackled in hospital, deported after eight months in detention

Jul 7, 2026 · Sunnyvale, CA, Mexico

Disabled carpenter beaten by ICE, shackled in hospital, deported after eight months in detention

Ulises Peña López, a 30-year-old Mexican carpenter living in Sunnyvale, California, with severe pre-existing medical conditions including a mini-stroke, blood clot in his neck, heart condition, spinal disorder, and knee injuries, was arrested by ICE agents on February 21, 2025. According to a federal lawsuit filed by Disability Law United and Pangea Legal Services, ICE agents smashed his car window and physically assaulted him during the arrest, beating him in an alleyway until he lost consciousness and requiring CPR, with his wife Aby and young daughter witnessing the assault. He was hospitalized and allegedly shackled to his bed. His wife told Telemundo: "He can't feel half of his face, it's numb, as well as his right hand and arm, and right now he feels tingling in his right leg and foot." During eight months in ICE detention at facilities operated by GeoGroup and CoreCivic, he allegedly received inadequate medical care, was denied disability accommodations and necessary medication, and was mocked by staff. He was deported to Mexico in October 2025. His wife Aby and daughter, both U.S. citizens, have joined him in filing the lawsuit against DHS, ICE, GEO Group, and CoreCivic, raising claims of civil rights violations, Fifth Amendment due process violations, disability rights violations, and state law accountability claims under California's Accountability in Detention Act. His wife Aby was subsequently diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Timeline

Jul 7, 2026Federal lawsuit filed by Peña López, his wife Aby, and daughter against DHS, ICE, GEO Group, and CoreCivic raising civil rights violations, Fifth Amendment due process violations, disability rights violations, and California Accountability in Detention Act claims
Oct 2025Peña López deported to Mexico after eight months in ICE detention
Feb 21, 2025Ulises Peña López arrested by ICE agents in Sunnyvale; agents smashed his car window and beat him in an alleyway until he lost consciousness, requiring CPR; his wife and daughter witnessed the assault
Feb 21, 2025Peña López hospitalized with medical emergency including panic attack; allegedly shackled to hospital bed
Feb 21, 2025Peña López transferred to ICE detention at Golden State Annex and California City Detention Center, operated by GeoGroup and CoreCivic

Sources

More incidents in California