UPDATE: An Ontario man has been charged with assault on a federal officer following a shocking incident involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. The confrontation occurred on October 30, 2023, when Carlos Jimenez allegedly reversed his SUV towards officers, prompting one to fire a shot that struck him in the shoulder.
According to court documents filed in Riverside, the situation escalated rapidly during a planned immigration enforcement operation. Officers from ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) were conducting an enforcement action on Vineyard Avenue when Jimenez arrived in his Lexus RX350. Witnesses reported that he engaged in a verbal altercation with the officers before the confrontation turned dangerous.
The initial altercation unfolded as Jimenez approached the officers speaking with the occupants of a stopped Honda Accord. After a tense exchange, an officer commanded him to leave but then switched to using pepper spray as Jimenez attempted to drive away. Instead of leaving the scene, Jimenez abruptly reversed his vehicle at high speed, leading officers to fear for their safety.
In the escalating chaos, an officer fired a single shot, hitting Jimenez. Following the incident, he managed to drive away but later presented himself at a nearby hospital for treatment. After being medically cleared, he was taken into custody by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Protests erupted outside the George E. Brown Jr. federal building during Jimenez’s court appearance on Friday evening, with demonstrators demanding an end to ICE operations. Signs reading “Melt ICE Dump Trump” and “ICE out of the Inland Empire” highlighted the emotional reactions of community members. Protester Ana Wilson, 34, expressed outrage, stating, “They are breaking the law in the name of law enforcement.”
The details of the immigration enforcement operation concerning the Honda Accord’s occupants remain unclear. As this story develops, the implications for ICE’s operations and community relations are significant, drawing attention to broader concerns about immigration enforcement practices.
Stay tuned for further updates as authorities continue to release information regarding this incident and its aftermath.
