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Deaf Utah man injured by ICE agents at bus stop, files federal civil rights lawsuit

Jul 9, 2026 · Taylorsville, UT, null

Arturo Ruvalcaba, a 38-year-old deaf man with a green card, filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against ICE agents and federal officials after an encounter on September 29 outside Salt Lake Community College's Taylorsville campus. According to the lawsuit, three white Ford SUVs pulled up to a bus stop where Ruvalcaba was waiting, and agents in military-style uniforms approached him shouting commands without providing a sign language interpreter or accommodating his deafness. When Ruvalcaba attempted to communicate through gestures and sign language and retrieve his documentation, an agent pushed him down by his shoulders and another pulled forcefully on his arm, injuring his elbow. After presenting his legal status documents, he was released. Ruvalcaba subsequently experienced pain and swelling, required multiple medical treatments, and missed several weeks of work. His wife reported that the encounter affected the emotional well-being of their three adopted sons. On July 8, 2026, the parties filed a stipulated motion to dismiss the case without prejudice, and the court terminated the civil case on July 9, 2026.

Timeline

Sep 29, 2024ICE agents approached Ruvalcaba at a bus stop outside SLCC's Taylorsville campus; agents pushed him down and pulled his arm without accommodating his deafness, injuring his elbow; he was released after presenting his green card
After 9/29/2024Ruvalcaba diagnosed with elbow sprain requiring physical therapy and work restrictions; missed several weeks of work due to injury
Jul 9, 2026Court terminated the civil case
Jul 8, 2026Parties filed stipulated motion to dismiss the case without prejudice
Sep 29, 2024Ruvalcaba filed federal civil rights lawsuit against ICE agents and federal officials including DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and Attorney General Pam Bondi, alleging disability discrimination, excessive force, and constitutional violations

Sources

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