SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — A father in San Bernardino is grappling with a traumatic incident involving federal officers who opened fire on his vehicle during what he described as a shocking encounter over the weekend.
The incident occurred on Saturday, when video footage showed masked agents attempting to order the three occupants of the car out by breaking the driver’s side window. The driver, identified only as Francisco, reacted by accelerating away from the scene, prompting the sound of gunfire — described by the Department of Homeland Security as shots fired in self-defense.
According to DHS, the agents fired after the driver allegedly aimed the vehicle directly at them, injuring two officers in the process. However, Francisco and his family dispute this account. He explained that he was simply running errands with his son and son-in-law when the agents, in three unmarked vehicles, surrounded them.
Francisco, who has lived in the U.S. for 23 years without any incident and has no criminal record, expressed disbelief and fear about the incident. “This situation caused a lot of fear in the family,” he said.
Javier Hernandez, the Executive Director of the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice, voiced his concerns regarding the family’s experience. “This family felt that they needed support, that they needed protection,” he stated. After the incident, the family called 911 seeking help from local law enforcement.
Despite being questioned by police, Francisco was not arrested following the confrontation. The exact legal status of Francisco remains uncertain, but the Department of Homeland Security indicated that the incident was part of a targeted operation.
In light of their ordeal with federal agents, the family has sought legal representation. Their next steps remain to be determined as they navigate the aftermath of this alarming encounter.
San Bernardino police confirmed their support of federal agents during the incident, which included the detention of a man related to claims of assault against an officer. As the situation continues to unfold, community members and advocates are calling for transparency and accountability regarding law enforcement conduct.
This account has been prepared by OpenAI, and the facts presented may vary from reality. Requests for retraction or correction can be sent to contact@publiclawlibrary.org.