Senator Patty Murray has publicly condemned the actions of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, alleging that they unleashed an “attack dog” on her constituent, Wilmer Toledo-Martinez, during his arrest in Vancouver, Washington. This incident occurred on November 14, 2023, and has sparked significant outrage, particularly as it was witnessed by his family.
According to Senator Murray, Toledo-Martinez was lured out of his home under false pretenses before being “violently attacked and dragged away” by ICE agents. She emphasized that Toledo-Martinez did not resist arrest or attempt to flee. His wife and two young children, aged two and three, witnessed the distressing event. John Williams Sr., a neighbor, described the scene, stating, “They sicced the dog on him; had him on the ground, hitting him.”
Murray’s criticism extends beyond this specific incident to the broader deportation policies enacted under the Trump administration. She stated, “Trump is not going after violent criminals or the worst of the worst—he is terrorizing everyone, including U.S. citizens and their loved ones.” The senator expressed her deep concerns about the potential for abuse of power, declaring, “I do not want to live in an America where federal agents can sic attack dogs on peaceful residents with impunity and face no consequences.”
Toledo-Martinez’s attorney has indicated that ICE agents misled him to come outside, leading to the violent confrontation. The attorney remarked, “It’s just not right; sickening, honestly. At the end of the day, these guys should be trained properly. You shouldn’t have to lie or manipulate.”
Video footage taken by Toledo-Martinez’s wife reportedly shows officers identifying themselves as “federal agents from Homeland Security” and claiming they were taking him for medical attention at an ICE facility in Portland. Despite this, the officers did not wear body cameras during the arrest, raising further concerns about accountability.
Following the attack, Toledo-Martinez was denied medical care for several hours before receiving treatment for his injuries, which included stitches and medication. His attorney reported that obtaining adequate medical care during his detention has been challenging. Toledo-Martinez, who arrived in the U.S. at the age of 15, is undocumented and married to a U.S. citizen. They have three children who are all U.S. citizens.
Senator Murray has called for Toledo-Martinez’s release from the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, citing his lack of criminal convictions and urgent medical needs. Williams Sr. has been assisting Toledo-Martinez’s family during this ordeal, driving them to visit him at the detention facility. He noted the emotional toll on the children, stating, “It’s hard on the kids to watch them break down.”
Murray urged the public to speak out against what she described as human rights abuses. “A lot of people don’t know the full story of what’s going on right now, and there’s a lot of innocent people being taken advantage of and not given their rights,” she said. Williams Sr. echoed her sentiments, asserting, “He doesn’t really deserve to be there… he’s not one of them.”
This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding the treatment of undocumented immigrants in the United States and the policies surrounding their detention. As the situation develops, both Senator Murray and Toledo-Martinez’s supporters continue to advocate for his immediate release and greater accountability from federal agents.
