A man in Tennessee, who insisted he was a legal resident in the United States, was forced from his vehicle and detained despite showing documents to ICE agents.
Video footage allegedly captured by eyewitnesses appeared to show a group of three federal officers breaking the windows and forcing open the doors of a white truck in front of his newborn baby in a terrifying confrontation that left him running in fear, before giving chase to a man who fled the vehicle on foot, US Mirror reported.
Now detained in Putnam County, Juan Martin Espindola Ramirez said he ran out of fear: “Because they smashed the windows of my work vehicle and started hitting me.”
According to News Channel 5, Juan came to the U.S. 10 years ago, when he was 17. One year later he told reporters someone tried to kill him and he was issued a U-Visa, issued for those who assist police in prosecuting criminals.
Juan insisted: “I never committed a crime.
Never. “
After three years, he qualified for a Green Card and was recently issued a work permit and a social security card.
After describing her ordeal, Juana said: “Everyone says ‘you have to do it the legal way,’ we are doing it the legal way. But it doesn’t matter, they don’t care. They don’t respect it.”
Juana said agents mocked Juan for being Guatemalan, even though he is from Mexico.
“They shouldn’t have to do that,” Juana said while holding back her tears at recalling the trauma of having her partner torn from her. It doesn’t matter if they do understand English or not. No one should be treating them like they’re nothing. He’s a family man, he works hard, he’s always dedicated his life to us.”
