Federal Agents Fire Shots at Family’s Truck During San Bernardino Immigration Operation
SAN BERNARDINO, CA — Federal immigration enforcement agents fired shots at a truck during an operation in San Bernardino on August 16, 2025, an incident now under scrutiny following the release of surveillance and cellphone video.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), agents from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Homeland Security Investigations were conducting a targeted enforcement action when they approached a truck driven by Francisco Longoria. DHS said Longoria refused to comply with commands and drove toward agents, prompting an officer to fire multiple rounds in what the agency described as self-defense.
Video footage released by Longoria’s attorneys shows masked agents surrounding the vehicle and breaking its windows before the truck drove away. The videos do not clearly show agents or vehicles directly in the truck’s path at the moment shots were fired. No one inside the vehicle was injured, though the truck was struck by bullets.
Longoria was traveling with family members at the time, including his 18-year-old son and another adult passenger, according to attorneys. The family said they feared the individuals confronting them were not law enforcement because the agents did not immediately identify themselves or present a warrant.
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DHS later charged Longoria with assault on a federal officer with a deadly weapon, alleging he struck agents with the vehicle while fleeing. However, the criminal charge was dismissed in September 2025. Longoria was subsequently taken into ICE custody for immigration proceedings.
Attorneys for Longoria and immigrant-rights advocates argue the shooting was unjustified and have called for independent investigations into the agents’ actions, including the use of force and the legality of the initial stop. They say the video evidence contradicts DHS’s account.
Federal officials have not announced any disciplinary action against the agents involved. DHS has maintained that the shooting complied with use-of-force policies.
San Bernardino city officials have requested additional transparency from DHS, including the release of all available footage related to the incident.
The case has fueled ongoing debate over immigration enforcement tactics, federal accountability, and the use of force during civilian encounters.
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