The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) today expressed deep concern over the recent shooting of Carlos Jimenez, a U.S. citizen and resident of Ontario, California, by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
On Thursday, Oct. 28, Jimenez reportedly saw federal immigration officers conducting a vehicle stop and pulled over to suggest they conclude the stop quickly, as children would soon be arriving to wait for the bus.
Jimenez and an ICE officer reportedly “engaged in a verbal altercation,” and the officer began shaking his pepper spray. The officer then allegedly shot Jimenez in the right shoulder from behind as he attempted to drive away.
A spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security claimed that Jimenez “attempted to run officers over by reversing directly at them without stopping” and that the officer’s shots were “defensive.” However, Jimenez’s attorneys stated that he feared for his safety and was forced to reverse his vehicle to leave the scene.
Jimenez was charged in federal court with assault of a federal officer and has since been released on bond.
In a statement, CAIR-LA Executive Director Hussam Ayloush said:
“We are deeply concerned by ICE’s shooting of Carlos Jimenez. This action reflects a broader pattern of brazen and violent immigration enforcement operations being carried out by federal agents throughout the greater Los Angeles area. The state-sponsored intimidation and aggression targeting immigrants and communities of color, regardless of their status, must end.
“We stand firm in our commitment to protecting the rights and safety of all people and call for an independent, transparent investigation into this incident.”
If you or someone you know has been impacted by recent ICE activities or actions by law enforcement, click here to contact CAIR-LA’s Immigration Department.
CAIR-LA is Southern California’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-LA Communications Manager Enjy El-Kadi, (714) 851-4851 or eelkadi@cair.com; CAIR-LA Senior Communications Coordinator Madi Hameed, mmorse-hameed@cair.com