A Morning Gone Wrong: ICE Shooting Raises Questions

In a quiet Ontario neighborhood, a routine traffic stop turned chaotic when an ICE officer fired shots at a moving vehicle. The incident, which happened around 6:30 a.m. on a Thursday, has sparked concerns about the use of force by federal agents. The driver, Carlos Jimenez, a 24-year-old U.S. citizen, was on his way to work at a food bank when the shooting occurred.

The Incident

Jimenez's family says he was driving away when officers told him to leave. Suddenly, his car stopped, and he reversed towards the officers. Fearing for their lives, an ICE officer fired shots. Jimenez fled the scene, leaving his car behind. He was later taken to the hospital with a gunshot wound to the shoulder and then arrested.

Family and Community Reaction

The family shared photos of the car, showing blood on the seats and a shattered window. They described Jimenez as a hardworking man focused on his family and community. His older brother, Francisco, said, "I don’t think he would do anything aggressive. He’s not really political. His No. 1 priority is his wife and kids."

Neighbors heard gunshots and screeching tires. One neighbor, Richard Ermer, was awakened by the noise but couldn't recall the exact sequence of events. Javier Hernandez, executive director of the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice, arrived at the scene quickly. He expressed concerns about the fear such incidents cause in the community.

Broader Context

This is not an isolated incident. In the past few weeks, there have been several shootings involving ICE officers across the country. In South Los Angeles, a man was shot after agents boxed in his car. In Phoenix, a driver was hospitalized after a traffic stop turned violent. These incidents raise questions about the use of force and the safety of both officers and civilians.

Investigation and Response

The Ontario Police Department responded to the scene to provide assistance. They confirmed that local officers were not involved in the initial incident but helped with traffic control and security. Meanwhile, Rep. Norma Torres has called for a transparent investigation, stating that witness statements and body-camera footage should be released to the public.

The FBI is assisting with the investigation. A spokesperson confirmed that an evidence response team was sent to the scene. As the investigation continues, the community remains on edge, questioning the actions of federal agents and the safety of their neighborhoods.