How the arrest happened
Phone seized or recording stopped
Agents took a phone, ordered someone to stop filming, or destroyed footage.
Documented in 21 states. Every well-documented story coded this way, grouped by state. See what accompanies it →
California
Brian G.: U.S. citizen pinned against gate by Border Patrol agents over his birthplaceBrian Gavidia, a 29-year-old U.S. citizen born in East Los Angeles, was pinned against a fence by Border Patrol agents at his car lot and had to close his business afterward.“I’m American, bro!” — Brian GavidiaMontebello, CA · Jun 14, 2026 · Los Angeles Times, My News 13, Bloomberg Law News +14
Woman tasered in breast by Border Patrol agent at checkpointA 23-year-old pregnant woman was Tasered in the breast at a Border Patrol checkpoint after agents found no evidence of wrongdoing, leaving her hospitalized with bloody breastmilk for weeks. An assault charge against her was later dismissed.Dulzura, CA · Mar 19, 2026 · iNews Source, San Diego Union-Tribune, Inland Valley Press Online +5
Mitch L.: Activist's phone seized by CBP at Los Angeles airport without a warrantMitch Lillie, a volunteer who monitors ICE patrols, had his phone seized without a warrant at Los Angeles airport, part of months of harassment including over 80 unknown calls telling him to stop his activism.Los Angeles, CA · Mar 2026 · The Guardian
Amanda T.: U.S. citizen ICU nurse pinned down and arrested while documenting immigration enforcementAmanda Trebach, an ICU nurse treating low-income communities in Los Angeles, was pinned to the pavement and detained while filming immigration enforcement, then released a day later without charges.San Pedro, CA · Aug 9, 2025 · FOX 11 Los Angeles, KTLA, National Nurses United +5
Barbara S.: 71-year-old U.S. citizen held 8 hours by ICE at San Diego courthouseBarbara Stone, 71, a U.S. citizen and volunteer legal observer, was handcuffed and held over eight hours at a San Diego federal building after an agent accused her of pushing, a claim she denied. No charges were filed.San Diego, CA · Jul 10, 2025 · NBC News, NBC San Diego, Legal Clarity +2
Job G.: PhD student and US citizen tackled, detained 24 hours while filming ICE raid at Home DepotJob Garcia, 37, a PhD student and U.S. citizen, was tackled and his phone smashed while filming an ICE raid at a Hollywood Home Depot. He was held over 24 hours and is now seeking $1 million in damages.Los Angeles, CA · Jul 3, 2025 · The Guardian, NBC News, The Undercoverist +1
Javier D.S.: Deaf DACA recipient arrested by ICE at California car washJavier Diaz Santana, a deaf 32-year-old DACA recipient, was handcuffed and sent to an El Paso detention center during a June 2025 car wash raid without accommodation for his disability. He was released in July.Temple City, CA · Jun 12, 2025 · Los Angeles Times, ILW, NBC Los Angeles +2
Jalyssa D.: Journalist tear gassed, kettled, arrested covering LA ICE protestIndependent journalist Jalyssa Dugrot was pepper-bombed, trapped by police, and arrested with dozens of others while reporting on an anti-ICE protest in Los Angeles.Los Angeles, CA · Jun 10, 2025 · mintpressnews.com, Press Freedom Tracker, Substack
District of Columbia
Florida
Luis Manuel C.G.: Exiled Nicaraguan journalist detained by ICE while driving for UberLuis Manuel Chavarría-Galeano, an exiled Nicaraguan journalist driving for Uber near Orlando, was detained in September 2026 and released on bond after press freedom groups and lawmakers pushed for his release.Miami, FL · Sep 26, 2026 · The Guardian, Divergentes, Latam Journalism Review +4
Leonardo S.: Cuban man with pending hernia surgery deported to Equatorial Guinea, family saysLeonardo Sánchez, a 49-year-old Cuban national and lawful permanent resident who arrived in the U.S. in 2010 under the Cuban Adjustment Act and worked as a welder, was deported to Liberia and then Equatorial Guinea after ICE detained him at a gas station.“I urinated in my pants three times.” — Leonardo SánchezMiami, FL · Sep 19, 2026 · El País, CiberCuba, Cuba Headlines +5%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fi.s3.glbimg.com%2Fv1%2FAUTH_37554604729d4b2f9f3eb9ad8a691345%2Finternal_photos%2Fbs%2F2026%2Fb%2Fg%2FvZbPS2RkWhoTus1aL2KA%2Fbrasileiros-deportados.jpg&w=128&q=75)
Pietro G.L.: Gay Brazilian man deported to Equatorial Guinea despite winning torture protection rulingPietro Graza de Lima, who ran a small business in Orlando for seven years after fleeing violence in Brazil, won protection from deportation but was flown instead to Equatorial Guinea, where he lost contact with his lawyers.Orlando, FL · Sep 11, 2026 · valorinternational.globo.com, Miami Herald, Lookout News +4
Lesli S.: Woman livestreaming ICE operation dragged from car by her hair in FloridaLesli Marili Samayoa, 26, was livestreaming an ICE operation in Fort Myers when agents pulled her from her truck by the hair and pinned her down. She was jailed nine days on resisting-officer charges, losing about 16 pounds.Fort Myers, FL · Aug 25, 2026 · Univision
Black bystander handcuffed by Border Patrol agent over immigrant assumptionA Black man with no connection to a traffic stop was handcuffed by a Border Patrol agent in Lake Worth Beach, Florida, who told him it was 'because you're an immigrant' before releasing him minutes later.Lake Worth Beach, FL · Aug 21, 2026 · International Business Times, WDC News 6
U.S. citizens detained, phones searched after returning from Cuba tripA group of U.S. citizens returning to Miami from a conference in Cuba were held, questioned, and had phones and laptops searched over a weekend in August, then released with no charges filed.Miami, FL · Aug 15, 2026 · CiberCuba, The Derrick, NBC Miami
Joey M.: U.S. citizen Coast Guard veteran mistakenly detained by CBP on cruise shipJose 'Joey' Martinez, a U.S. citizen and Coast Guard veteran, was handcuffed aboard a cruise ship after his name matched someone else's warrant. His wife was tackled filming it; he was released without charges.Miami, FL · Jan 7, 2026 · Univision, Miami New Times, KTAR +4
Sav: TikToker detained by CBP, phone searched at Miami airportSav, a Fort Lauderdale social media content creator, was pulled aside and questioned by border officers returning from Europe, who then searched her phone and social media accounts.Miami, FL · Apr 26, 2025 · Miami New Times, Newsweek, talesfromflorida.com +1
Georgia
Illinois
Domer M.S.: Venezuelan man Tasered by ICE agents while handcuffed in Chicago's Albany ParkDomer Jesus Martinez-Sifontes, a Venezuelan man who arrived in 2023, was tasered while handcuffed on the ground in Chicago as an ICE vehicle struck a bystander's car nearby.Chicago, IL · Jun 21, 2026 · Chicago Sun-Times, CBS News, FOX 32 Chicago +4
Two men chased by federal agents into Gurnee high schoolTwo men were chased by federal agents from Waukegan onto a Gurnee high school campus during arrival, with one arrested in a classroom in front of students; a pastor recording the scene was threatened with pepper spray.Gurnee, IL · October 2025 · ACLU, ABC7 Chicago, Chicago Sun-Times +1
Leigh K.: Journalist shot in face, head with pepper balls at Broadview ICE facilityJournalist Leigh Kunkel was shot in the face and head with pepper balls by federal officers while covering a protest outside the Broadview, Illinois ICE facility in September 2025.Broadview, IL · Sep 26, 2025 · Press Freedom Tracker, CBS News, Radio Free- Dave D.: Credentialed photojournalist shot with projectiles at Broadview protestsPhotojournalist Dave Decker, wearing visible press credentials while covering Broadview protests, was shot with projectiles, hit in the camera by a pepper ball, and later shot in the legs after an agent said, "Get him."Broadview, IL · September 2025 · ACLU, CourtListener
Valentina G. and Naythan: Asylum-seeking mother and U.S. citizen infant held in hotel by ICEColombian asylum seeker Valentina Galvis and her infant son, a U.S. citizen, were detained after a Chicago court hearing and held in an O'Hare hotel room for five days.Chicago, IL · Jun 9, 2025 · Injustice Watch, Chicago Sun-Times, Parriva +2
Maine
Maryland
Kristin M.: Councilmember says ICE agents grabbed her while filming arrestMontgomery County Councilmember Kristin Mink said an agent grabbed her arm, touched her face and reached for her phone while she filmed federal agents detaining someone near a school in Adelphi.Prince George's County, MD · November 2025 · ACLU, NBC Washington, Bethesda Magazine +2- Filipino cruise worker deported from Baltimore by CBP, no evidence foundA 27-year-old Filipino cruise ship housekeeper was pulled off a Carnival ship in Baltimore and questioned about child abuse material; agents found no evidence. He was never charged but was deported, ending his maritime career.Baltimore, MD · Jul 1, 2025 · Georgia Public Broadcasting, YP Radio, WUNC
Massachusetts
Carlos M.V.: Honduran student, police volunteer held 44 hours by CBP at Logan AirportCarlos Maldonado Valle, 21, a Honduran student and Provincetown police volunteer, was held 44 hours at Logan Airport after a diverted flight left him without travel paperwork. He was freed October 8 after a judge blocked his removal.Boston, MA · Oct 11, 2026 · Northeast News Collaborative, Cape and Islands, WGBH +4
Nine Allston car wash workers with valid work permits detained by ICENine Allston car wash workers with valid work permits were detained by over 22 agents who took them before letting them retrieve their permits. Seven have filed a federal claim alleging mistreatment and unlawful arrest.Boston, MA · Nov 9, 2025 · The Harvard Crimson, Boston.com
Minnesota
Jeyli S.: U.S. citizen's home raided by armed agents, sister deported to El SalvadorJeyli Salguero, a 20-year-old U.S. citizen, was home when armed agents broke down her family's door searching for her brother; her sister was deported and her father later released. She is now suing over the warrantless home entry.Minneapolis, MN · Oct 8, 2026 · ProPublica, KARE 11, Minnesota Reformer +4
Steven S.: Marine veteran detained six hours, phone copied without warrantMarine Corps veteran Steven Saari was held six hours by federal agents at Alex Pretti's killing scene in Minneapolis, who took his DNA and phone data without a warrant and denied him a lawyer.Minneapolis, MN · Feb 3, 2026 · The Intercept, Lone Star Pie Federation, PieFed +2
Off-duty police officer stopped by ICE agents with guns drawn in MinnesotaAn off-duty police officer in Minnesota had guns drawn on her by federal immigration agents, who also stopped her from recording, during a sweep called Operation Metro Surge.Brooklyn Park, MN · Jan 20, 2026 · Scripps News, USA TodayChildren injured, 6-month-old hospitalized as ICE agents smash car in MinneapolisA family returning from a basketball game was trapped by an ICE action in Minneapolis; agents smashed a car window holding six children, leaving a 6-month-old unconscious after tear gas exposure.Minneapolis, MN · Jan 16, 2026 · ABC News, Yahoo News, CBC +3
Sebastian: 16-year-old Ecuadorian asylum-seeker detained by ICE, relocated to out-of-state facilitySebastian, a 16-year-old Ecuadorian asylum seeker, was detained while driving alone in Minneapolis and sent to a Michigan shelter despite his father living in the U.S., complicating efforts to locate him.Minnesota, MN · Jan 15, 2026 · Star Tribune, MPR News, SWOK News- Jonathan A.G.: 17-year-old U.S. citizen tackled by Border Patrol agents at Minnesota TargetJonathan Aguilar Garcia, a 17-year-old U.S. citizen working at a Minnesota Target, was tackled, handcuffed and detained by Border Patrol on January 8, 2026, despite showing his passport. He was released hours later with injuries.“I'm literally a U.S. citizen. I'm literally a U.S. citizen.” — Jonathan Aguilar GarciaRichfield, MN · Jan 13, 2026 · Grokipedia, Prismedia, ProPublica +3
Nimco O.: Somali-American U.S. citizen ordered to prove citizenship by masked ICE in MinneapolisNimco Omar, a Somali-American U.S. citizen, was stopped by masked ICE officers while walking in her Minneapolis neighborhood and threatened with detention after refusing to show ID.Minneapolis, MN · Jan 12, 2026 · Mother Jones, Fox 9, NBC News +4
Nevada
New York
Jonatan L.: Guatemalan man tackled and detained by ICE while eating outside NY homeJonatan López, from Guatemala, was eating chips and soda outside his New Rochelle home when ICE agents questioned and tackled him. Witnesses said agents arrived in unmarked cars without a warrant.New Rochelle, NY · Aug 21, 2026 · Univision
Man detained by masked ICE agents inside NYC hospital emergency roomA man was detained inside a NYC emergency room by masked ICE agents on August 2, as a witness who tried to photograph the scene was threatened with charges.Manhattan, NY · Aug 2, 2026 · AM New York, Archive, Forum Daily New York
Elzon L.: U.S. citizen electrician handcuffed by ICE in Westbury for looking like someoneElzon Lemus, a 23-year-old U.S. citizen and electrician from Brentwood, was handcuffed on his way to work after agents said he "looks like somebody" they sought. He was held about an hour before being released once his citizenship was confirmed.Westbury, NY · July 2026 · NBC New York, Long Island Press, FOX 5 New York +7- 10-year-old traumatized after ICE agents point gun at him during raidA 10-year-old boy, J., saw agents point a gun at him and his sister as they tried to film agents forcing into his family's apartment in November 2025. He still has nightmares and struggles in school.New York, NY · Nov 2025 · Documented
Three journalists attacked by ICE agents at Federal Plaza, one hospitalizedThree journalists covering an arrest at 26 Federal Plaza on September 30 were assaulted by masked ICE agents; one was knocked down and hospitalized with head injuries.New York, NY · Sep 30, 2025 · AM New York, CBS News, The Hill- Vural E.: Journalist knocked unconscious by ICE agent at Federal PlazaL. Vural Elibol, a cameraman for Turkey's Anadolu Agency, was shoved to the floor by an ICE agent at 26 Federal Plaza, knocking him unconscious for 35 to 40 minutes.New York, NY · Sep 30, 2025 · AM New York, Associated Press, NBC News +4
Disguised ICE officer refuses to identify his agency in New YorkAn ICE officer in disguise, wearing a hard hat and dark glasses, refused to identify his agency while conducting surveillance in Brewster, New York, telling an activist 'it's none of your business.'“The mere fact that they come out masked shows they do not identify themselves. We don’t know if they are from ICE, the DEA or the FBI. That creates fear and distrust in the community.” — Ron GochezBrewster, NY · Aug 2, 2025 · El País, Patch, The Guardline +1
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Grace G.: Activist ordered to stop filming police traffic stop tied to ICE cooperationAn activist filming a police traffic stop tied to an ICE partnership from a public road was ordered by an officer to stop recording and leave, despite court rulings protecting that right.Carroll Township, PA · Oct 12, 2026 · Philadelphia Inquirer, PennLive
Dozens of hospital construction workers detained by ICE near Bellefonte, PennsylvaniaUp to 26 construction workers from Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Honduras were stopped in two vans while traveling to build a Pennsylvania hospital tower. Witnesses say some held valid work permits; they were sent to three detention facilities.“ICE and billionaires profiting off federal contracts are making billions of dollars from kidnapping our people. They are terrorizing families and attacking our neighbors who are literally building our communities. We don’t need $240 billion of our tax dollars to go to ICE and [U.S. Customs and Border Protection]; we need that money to make education, healthcare, and housing affordable.” — Jasmine Rivera, executive director of the Pennsylvania Immigration CoalitionDanville, PA · Sep 19, 2026 · Media News Source, Philadelphia Inquirer, North Central PA +10
Tennessee
Texas
Sorayda N. and Claudia: U.S. citizen siblings filming ICE raid tackled and detained in TexasThree siblings, ages 31, 19 and about 14, were tackled and detained while filming an ICE arrest near their mother's Texas home; the family is seeking $2.5 million in damages.Brownsville, TX · Oct 9, 2026 · MALDEF, ProPublica, CRBC News +2
Four construction workers detained by ICE outside Austin City HallFour construction workers were detained outside Austin City Hall after a traffic stop for driving the wrong way on a one-way street, with their phones confiscated and their families left not knowing where they were taken.Austin, TX · Aug 6, 2026 · CBS Austin, Austin American-Statesman, KUTX Studio +2
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
Elaine M.: Indigenous actress detained by ICE, tribal ID rejected as fakeIndigenous actress Elaine Miles, known for "Northern Exposure" and "Smoke Signals," was detained at a Redmond bus stop after agents rejected her tribal ID as fake. Her son and uncle were also briefly detained nearby.Redmond, WA · July 2026 · KUOW, KUOW, Seattle Times
Brazilian artist with pregnant wife held 63 days by ICEA Brazilian visual artist and father was detained near San Juan Island while picking up his daughter, held 63 days, and released days before his son's birth after charges were dismissed.San Juan Island, WA · Oct 10, 2025 · NBC Bay Area, NBC News, Seattle Times +4
Wisconsin
Location not tied to one state
Samson B.: Eritrean refugee deported to Equatorial Guinea beaten, held without lawyer accessSamson Birhane, a refugee who came to the U.S. at 13, was deported to Equatorial Guinea and beaten alongside fellow deportee Ahmed Soliman after documenting abuse at a detention site. Both remain jailed without lawyer access.Malabo, Equatorial Guinea · Sep 11, 2026 · The Guardian, Business Insider Africa, Amnesty International +2
Mikel S.O.: Venezuelan asylum seeker beaten by agents, nose broken, detained in GeorgiaMikel Junior Sanchez Ortiz, 24, was pulled from his car and beaten while driving to work with his girlfriend in Gainesville, Georgia, breaking his nose. He is now held at Stewart Detention Center awaiting a 2027 asylum hearing.GA · Aug 21, 2026 · Access North Georgia, Univision, Abolish Capital- Darren E.: U.S. citizen cemetery worker pepper-balled, hospitalized helping man fleeing agentsDarren Eichler, a U.S. citizen cemetery worker, was pepper-balled and hospitalized after trying to help a man he thought was in danger near the Des Plaines River. He is now suing over the incident.“I pleaded with them for an hour to please call an ambulance.” — Darren EichlerIL · Jul 29, 2026 · ProPublica, ACLU of Illinois, Banco de Profissionais +5
Four journalists beaten and detained in Cameroon while investigating U.S. deportationsFour journalists and an attorney were beaten and detained by plainclothes police in Cameroon while investigating deportations of immigrants sent there from the U.S. Their equipment was confiscated before all five were released.Yaoundé, CM · Feb 20, 2026 · Washington Times, Daily Maverick, Cameroon Concord News +4
Francisco M.: U.S. citizen arrested by ICE outside Oregon workplaceFrancisco Miranda, a U.S. citizen born in California, was detained by ICE outside his Milwaukie, Oregon workplace despite repeatedly stating his citizenship. Agents confiscated his phone after he began recording the arrest.“without being given any legitimate reason for his abduction.” — Michael Fuller, Miranda's attorneyOR · Oct 10, 2025 · Lake Oswego Review, U.S. House of Representatives - Salinas Office, Courthouse News +7
French scientist denied US entry over anti-Trump textsA French CNRS researcher traveling to a Houston-area science conference was turned away after border officers searched his phone and found messages critical of Trump administration research policy.Mar 9, 2025 · The Guardian