Brutal ICE Encounter Leaves Immigrant with Traumatic Injuries and Lingering Memories

Sat Feb 07 2026 10:19:18 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Alberto Castañeda Mondragón recounts a harrowing experience of violence at the hands of immigration officers, leaving him with critical injuries and a fractured memory of cherished moments with his daughter.

Alberto Castañeda Mondragón, a Mexican immigrant, has suffered traumatic injuries due to what he alleges was unnecessary violence from immigration officials during his arrest in Minnesota. Despite having no criminal record, Mondragón experienced significant health complications following the incident, which has raised questions about the actions of the officers involved. The incident has prompted calls for accountability and an investigation into ICE practices.

Alberto Castañeda Mondragón recalls his traumatic experience with immigration officers and the violence he endured during his arrest in Minnesota. He now struggles with significant health issues as a result of this encounter, including eight skull fractures and five brain hemorrhages. Mondragón’s inability to remember pivotal moments, such as teaching his daughter to dance, highlights the lasting impact of his injuries.

On January 8, he was apprehended by ICE agents, who allegedly used excessive force during his arrest. Mondragón claims he was violently removed from a car, beaten, and later assaulted again at a detention facility. Throughout the ordeal, he felt the agents' ruthlessness stemmed from their racism towards him as an immigrant.

Despite these traumatic experiences, the Department of Homeland Security has not conducted an investigation into Mondragón's claims. Instead, they assert he sustained his injuries by running into a wall, an explanation his medical caregivers have deemed implausible based on his injuries.

The community and officials are rallying behind Mondragón, demanding accountability and comprehensive investigations into ICE's methodology in Minnesota. Lawmakers, including Minnesota's congressional delegation, have called for renewed scrutiny over the conduct of federal agents, stressing that law enforcement must not operate without accountability.

As he works towards recovery, Mondragón is faced with new challenges, including difficulty supporting his family back in Mexico as a result of his injuries. He remains hopeful about his future and expresses his determination to heal, despite the psychological fears and traumatic memories lingering from his ordeal.