URGENT UPDATE: An Ontario man has been charged with assault on a federal officer after a dramatic confrontation with immigration officials on October 30, 2023. Court documents reveal that Carlos Jimenez engaged in a heated argument with officers before he reversed his SUV towards them, resulting in an officer shooting him in the shoulder.
The incident unfolded during a planned immigration operation conducted by an “enforcement team” comprised of agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Officers had stopped a Honda Accord on Vineyard Avenue in Ontario when Jimenez arrived in his Lexus RX350, allegedly provoking a verbal altercation with the officers.
According to the sworn statement filed in federal court, Jimenez initially pulled away from the scene but then “rapidly” reversed his vehicle towards the officers and the stopped Honda. Fearing for their safety, an officer discharged his weapon, striking Jimenez. He subsequently drove himself to a nearby hospital, where he was treated for his injury before being taken into custody by Homeland Security Investigators (HSI).
The situation has ignited protests outside the George E. Brown Jr. federal building following Jimenez’s initial court appearance on Friday evening. Demonstrators, like Ana Wilson, voiced their opposition to ICE actions, demanding an end to what they call unlawful deportations. Signs reading “Melt ICE Dump Trump” and “ICE out of the Inland Empire” highlighted the tension surrounding immigration enforcement in the area.
As of now, it remains unclear what consequences the immigration operation had on the occupants of the Honda Accord. The community is reacting strongly to the incident, with many calling for accountability and expressing their concerns over federal immigration policies.
This developing story raises significant questions about the use of force by federal officers and the ongoing debate over immigration practices in the U.S. As the situation unfolds, it is crucial to monitor any further updates regarding Jimenez’s case and the broader implications for immigration enforcement in Ontario and beyond.
