The Portsmouth Police Department released a video that allegedly shows Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents making an arrest of Josue Perez Gomez in Rhode Island. The incident has raised questions about the procedures followed by the agency and its interaction with local law enforcement. The video appears to depict the arrest taking place in a residential area, with officers in plain clothes attempting to detain the individual.
Community leaders and advocates have expressed concern over the use of plain-clothes agents in immigration enforcement, citing potential risks to public safety and the rights of individuals. Some residents have reported feeling uneasy about the presence of ICE agents in the neighborhood, while others support the agency’s efforts to enforce immigration laws. The incident has also prompted calls for greater transparency in how such arrests are conducted and whether local agencies are adequately prepared to handle such situations.
Officials from the Portsmouth Police Department have stated that they are cooperating with federal authorities but emphasized that local law enforcement is not responsible for immigration enforcement. They have not provided additional details about the specific circumstances of the arrest, such as whether Perez Gomez was apprehended under immigration law or for an unrelated offense. As the situation develops, it is likely that further information will emerge regarding the legal and procedural aspects of the case.