ICE agents pointed gun at teen during South Texas encounter, later released
July 14, 2026 · Laguna Vista, TX
On July 14, 2026, ICE agents conducted a targeted enforcement operation on residential streets in Laguna Vista, Texas, near South Padre Island. Witness Samantha Alarcón reported that multiple unmarked vehicles with masked agents pursued an SUV at high speed through narrow 20-mph residential streets, nearly running her off the road while she was driving with her son. After the SUV stopped in a home's driveway, the driver and another passenger fled on foot. An 18-year-old U.S. citizen remained in the back seat. Alarcón alleged agents entered a neighbor's yard, drew weapons, and pointed a gun at the teen. ICE said an agent drew his weapon when the teen began reaching into a tool bag after failing to follow orders, and that a knife was later found in the bag. Agents released the teen after determining he was a U.S. citizen. Alarcón drove the teen home, describing him as crying in fear while talking to his mother on the phone. ICE denied a vehicle pursuit occurred but confirmed "targeted enforcement arrests" in the area. Local police officers with body-worn cameras were also present at the scene.
Sources
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