A Massachusetts woman, Marilu Mendez, has come forward to speak out after a shocking encounter with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The incident took place on Monday in New Bedford, Massachusetts, when ICE agents surrounded Marilu and her husband, Juan Mendez’s car, before smashing the back passenger window. Marilu recorded the incident on her cell phone, capturing the agents’ use of a large hammer to break into the vehicle.
In the video, ICE agents can be seen approaching the car as Marilu and Juan were driving on Tallman Street in New Bedford. The agents appeared to be focused on Juan, but repeatedly called him “Antonio,” a name that does not belong to him but instead refers to another person who lives in their building. Believing this was a case of mistaken identity, the Mendezes decided to call their lawyer for guidance.
Marilu’s lawyer, Ondine Galvez Sniffin, told NBC10 Boston that Juan Mendez is a Guatemalan immigrant who is changing his immigration status. He has no criminal record and has been following the legal procedures required by U.S. immigration law. Marilu, who is also legally in the country under asylum, followed the proper legal channels.
Despite the lawyer’s advice to wait for her arrival before interacting with the agents, the situation escalated. ICE agents ignored the couple’s request to remain silent and forcibly broke into the car. “They looked for a hammer and they broke the car window and dragged us out of the car,” Marilu said in an interview with Telemundo Nueva Inglaterra.
“Three ICE agents held my husband. They took us out unjustly… I tried to talk to them and ask if they had an order to detain him. They didn’t respond or show me anything. They had no reason to detain him. We’ve been following the rules of this country. We are doing things the right way. That’s why we have a lawyer.”
The agents did not provide any explanation or documentation, and the Mendezes were subjected to what their attorney called an unwarranted act of aggression. Juan Mendez is now being held in a detention facility in Dover, New Hampshire, and a hearing has been scheduled for May 7. Marilu was left feeling helpless, especially since she believed her family was complying with U.S. laws and that their rights were being violated.
Attorney Galvez Sniffin expressed outrage over the treatment of her clients. “My clients were within their rights, they were very respectful and following and exerting their rights and stating their right to remain silent and stating their right to have legal representation, and they were met with brutality,” Galvez Sniffin said. She added that the actions of the ICE agents were excessive and unnecessary, calling the incident an example of “brutality.”
At the heart of the controversy is the question of whether ICE agents were following proper procedures. ICE has not responded to NBC10 Boston’s request for comment, leaving the public to speculate about the agency’s actions. Marilu’s video has gone viral, raising widespread concern over ICE’s use of force and the potential violation of immigrant rights.
In response to the incident, New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell issued a statement questioning the actions of ICE. “The incident raises questions that require clearer answers,” Mitchell wrote on social media. He noted that, until recently, ICE had followed a practice of notifying local police departments before planned operations, which allowed for a better understanding of what was happening and an opportunity to de-escalate tense situations. Mayor Mitchell expressed concern that ICE’s sudden shift away from this practice posed safety risks to everyone involved, including local police, ICE agents, and the public.
In addition, Mitchell questioned whether ICE was targeting individuals with criminal backgrounds or engaging in broader, indiscriminate sweeps of people with uncertain immigration status. This lack of clarity has raised concerns among many, especially given the highly charged political climate surrounding immigration policies. Mayor Mitchell argued that the public deserved an explanation from the Trump administration regarding the agency’s actions.
This incident highlights the growing tension between federal immigration authorities and local communities. Many have expressed concerns about the tactics used by ICE, particularly as they relate to the treatment of undocumented immigrants.
The Mendezes’ case, in particular, has sparked outrage among immigrant advocacy groups, who argue that ICE is acting aggressively and without cause. The use of force in this case seems to be a response to a simple misunderstanding, yet it has resulted in a traumatising experience for the Mendezes.
The couple’s situation is part of a broader trend in which immigrants, particularly those who are undocumented or in the process of adjusting their status, face increasing scrutiny from immigration enforcement agencies. Many immigrants are hesitant to interact with authorities out of fear of being detained or deported, even when they are following the law.
The case also underscores the challenges immigrants face when trying to navigate the complex U.S. immigration system. Marilu and Juan were following the rules and had legal representation, yet they were still subjected to an aggressive and unlawful arrest.
As the situation unfolds, the Mendezes and their attorney are calling for accountability. They demand that ICE explain why such force was used and why Juan was detained without just cause. Advocates for immigrants hope that this case will shed light on the larger issues surrounding immigration enforcement and lead to greater transparency and fairness in the process.
The incident has sparked a wider conversation about the practices of ICE and its role in enforcing immigration laws. Critics argue that the agency’s methods are overly harsh and that they disproportionately affect vulnerable communities. The Mendezes’ experience has ignited a debate about the treatment of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. and the need for reform within immigration enforcement.
As Juan’s hearing approaches, many are watching to see how the case will develop. In the meantime, Marilu remains determined to seek justice for her husband and to ensure that their rights are protected. This case serves as a reminder of the difficulties faced by many immigrants in the U.S. and the importance of holding immigration authorities accountable for their actions.
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Jon King is an experienced journalist with 3 years of experience in the field. With a strong background in investigative reporting, Jon is known for his in-depth coverage of crime news, finance news, local news, and USA news. Currently working with Mikeandjonpodcast, Jon brings his sharp investigative skills, where he provides timely updates and analysis on a wide range of topics. His commitment to delivering accurate and impactful news has earned him a reputation for providing insightful and comprehensive stories that resonate with his audience.
