NewsLos Angeles TimesOctober 30, 2026Los Angeles County
Video captures federal immigration agent pointing handgun at North Hollywood bystander
Photo: Los Angeles Times
A federal immigration agent drew a handgun and pointed it inches from a bystander's face during an operation in North Hollywood on Friday morning. The incident occurred after the bystander tossed a dropped spray canister into the street, following the physical detainment of a pedestrian by masked individuals identified as immigration agents. Federal officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the encounter.
Read the full story at Los Angeles TimesWhy It Matters
Residents and activists face unannounced federal enforcement operations in local neighborhoods, raising local safety concerns following a federal court ruling restricting immigration stop practices in Southern California.
Key Facts
- A federal immigration operation took place near Vineland Place and Otsego Street in North Hollywood on Friday morning just before 8:30 a.m.
- Video obtained by The Times shows a masked federal agent shoving a bystander into bushes and pointing a handgun inches from his face.
- The confrontation began after the bystander tossed a dropped spray canister away from the immediate area into the street.
- The bystander who had his face approached with a firearm was not detained or taken into custody.
- A pedestrian was tackled and handcuffed by masked men wearing tactical gear labeled 'ICE Police'.
- An agent sprayed the bystander with the dogs with pepper spray before the bystander ran away.
- Officials from ICE and the Department of Homeland Security did not respond to inquiries about the detained man or the reasons for his detention.
- The incident occurred one day after a federal judge in Southern California barred agents from stopping people based on racial stereotypes.
Who's Mentioned
OrganizationDepartment of Homeland Security“federal department that did not respond to requests for comment”OrganizationUnion del Barrio“community group monitoring ICE activity”locationSouthern California“region covered by a federal judge's ruling on immigration stops”PersonRon Gochez“leader with Union del Barrio”locationNorth Hollywood“neighborhood where the incident took place”PersonDamari Butler“resident who witnessed and recorded the incident”locationVineland Place“intersection near the location of the encounter”OrganizationThe Times“news organization that obtained the video”locationOtsego Street“intersection near the location of the encounter”