In a shocking confrontation captured on video, a Southern California man was detained by ICE agents while insisting, “I am American!” The incident, which unfolded at a tow yard in Montebello, has raised urgent questions about the treatment of citizens during immigration enforcement actions.

Brian, the man at the center of the incident, reported that he repeatedly identified himself as an American citizen, but his pleas fell on deaf ears. “I stated I was American three times,” he recounted, visibly shaken. The encounter escalated quickly when federal agents approached him aggressively, leading to a physical altercation that left him rattled and questioning the safety of his own identity.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with Brian’s friend, also an American citizen, being roughly handled by agents, resulting in visible injuries. “My friend gets slammed to the floor and he was bleeding from his forehead,” Brian said, highlighting the alarming treatment they faced. The situation intensified as agents confiscated Brian’s ID and phone, only releasing them when a bystander began filming the encounter.

This incident has sparked outrage and concern among community members, who fear that if this can happen to an American citizen, it could happen to anyone. Brian bravely spoke out against what he described as blatant mistreatment, stating, “People are being attacked… I have to have my face out here like this.”

As authorities remain silent, the community is left grappling with the implications of this confrontation. Brian’s story underscores a growing tension surrounding immigration enforcement, raising critical questions about the rights of citizens and the conduct of federal agents. This is a developing story that demands attention as more details emerge.