Video Captures ICE Agent Pushing Arrestee's Head Against Brick Wall
Long Island Democratic leaders issued strong criticism after a video surfaced showing a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent hitting a handcuffed man's head against a brick wall during an arrest in January in Hempstead Village.
The arrested individual, 35-year-old Isai Santos Caceras, was being pulled while resisting. In the video posted by the advocacy group Islip Forward, an agent loudly accused the arrestee of trying to trip him, then pushed Caceras's head against a brick wall outside a supermarket.
The advocacy group asserts that this action was excessive during the restraint process. The video quickly went viral on social media, intensifying debate surrounding ICE's local enforcement practices.
County Legislator and Federal Representative Speak Out Against Incident
Nassau County Legislator Viviana Russell spoke out, stating that such use of force reflects issues with training and oversight. She also criticized the collaborative relationship between Nassau County and ICE, which was promoted by County Executive Bruce Blakeman.
U.S. Representative Laura Gillen placed responsibility on Department of Homeland Security leadership, calling for a full investigation into the incident. ICE and the County Executive's office have not yet issued a public response.
Arrestee Has No Criminal Record, Possesses Legal Work Permit
Public records do not indicate Caceras has a criminal record. Activists state he possesses a legal work permit in the U.S. The official reason for the arrest has not been disclosed.
The collaboration program between Nassau County and ICE has previously faced significant debate, including allegations regarding detention conditions. County officials have previously denied these allegations.
The incident further fuels controversy over immigration law enforcement in New York amidst rising political tensions surrounding border security and civil rights issues.
