Overview

• Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund lodged a $1 million administrative claim under the Federal Tort Claims Act against ICE, CBP, Border Patrol and DHS
• Job Garcia, a 37-year-old Ph.D. student and delivery driver, was tackled and detained for more than 24 hours after filming an ICE enforcement action at a Hollywood Home Depot
• The claim alleges agents used excessive force, violated Garcia’s constitutional rights including free speech and protection from unreasonable seizure, and targeted individuals of Latino appearance
• DHS contests the accusations, with spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stating Garcia was arrested for assaulting an agent and asserting compliance with detention procedures
• MALDEF warns that failure to resolve the claim will lead to a federal lawsuit seeking damages for Garcia’s injuries, emotional distress and lost earnings