Woodland police say video contradicts the Department of Homeland Security’s initial account of an ICE vehicle striking a man who was recording immigration enforcement activity in the California city.
Antonio Moreida, 37, was injured in the October 20 collision near Locust and Clover streets. Police are conducting a criminal investigation into the collision and the actions of those involved.
DHS initially denied that officers had hit a pedestrian, saying Moreida jumped onto the hood and slid off when the driver braked. In a later statement to CNN, ICE said officers tried to drive around him while braking and accused him of obstructing an operation by standing in the road.
Woodland Police Chief Ryan Kinnan said on October 21 that investigators had reviewed footage establishing that the vehicle struck Moreida and that he had not jumped onto its hood, according to The Davis Vanguard. Police also said the driver braked before impact.
The recordings include surveillance footage, a bystander’s cellphone video and footage from Moreida’s GoPro, CNN reported. ICE’s later response did not repeat the claim that he jumped onto the vehicle.
Moreida said he went to the neighborhood after receiving an alert from NorCal Resist, a group that monitors immigration operations. He said he was trying to record the unmarked vehicles.
He was taken to a hospital with scrapes on his hands and knees, ABC7 reported, citing KCRA. He later spoke at a City Council meeting where residents raised concerns about the incident.
Police said the ICE driver remained nearby, contacted local authorities and cooperated with responding officers. Woodland officers were not taking part in the immigration operation.
In an October 22 statement, Sen. Alex Padilla said he visited an ICE holding center in Sacramento and was told the agent remained on duty. He called for a full investigation.
Woodland police posted an initial update on Facebook. The completed investigation will go to the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office for review; police have not announced a determination of criminal responsibility.