ICE Agents Attacked During Stop as Lawmakers Spread Falsehoods

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Dennis J. Slocumb

Phone: 1-800-247-4872

E-Mail: iupa@iupa.org

Statement of Sam A. Cabral, President of the International Union of Police Associations

On September 12, 2025, ICE agents initiated a lawful traffic stop on Mr. Silvio Gonzalez, an unlawful immigrant. During the encounter, one agent approached the driver's side of the vehicle while the other moved to the passenger side.

According to reports, Mr. Gonzalez attempted to flee, accelerating his vehicle and striking and dragging one of the agents. Fearing for his life and to prevent further serious or potentially deadly injury, the agent discharged his firearm. The vehicle subsequently struck a tree and came to a stop.

Mr. Gonzalez was removed from the truck, and medical aid was immediately rendered; however, he did not survive his injuries. The ICE agent sustained serious lacerations to his legs as a result of being dragged.

This incident was fully captured by surveillance video, body-worn cameras, and a witness's cell phone video, providing a complete record of the events.

Despite these clear facts, Congressman Jesús "Chuy" García (D-IL) took to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives and made several false and inflammatory statements—alleging that the suspect did not drive toward the officers, that the agent did not fear for his life, and that officers "dragged him from his vehicle and slammed him to the ground." The Congressman went further, referring to ICE agents as "masked thugs" and the "American Gestapo", and claiming that Mr. Gonzalez was "murdered" by the agent.

These statements are reckless, unfounded, and dangerous. They undermine public trust, defame honorable law enforcement officers, and incite hostility toward those who courageously enforce our nation's laws.

This kind of rhetoric—pandering to those who defy the law—has no place in public discourse. It contributes directly to the rising number of assaults against federal law enforcement officers.

We call on Congressman García and others who engage in this hateful and irresponsible narrative to cease immediately. Our agents deserve respect, support, and the truth—not political grandstanding at their expense.

NOTE: Originally chartered in 1979, the International Union of Police Associations is the only chartered labor union that exclusively represents law enforcement personnel.  The I.U.P.A. represents active-duty, rank and file law enforcement professionals and emergency medical personnel nationwide – including the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.  The I.U.P.A.'s mission is to protect and advance officers' wages, benefits, and work conditions.  Membership includes officers from agencies throughout the United States, including the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. 

More information is available at www.iupa.org. Follow us on Twitter at IUPA34233.