Father Alleges Irregular Detention by Masked ICE Agents in the U.S.

• ICE detention by masked men without official identification
• Family questions due process
• Suspicions point to bounty hunters

A Hispanic father of two has come forward to Univision 14, claiming he was detained by masked men who never identified themselves as agents from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency.

“They told me, ‘you’re under arrest,’ and that was it. ‘Get out of your truck, leave your keys next to the mirror,’ and then they took my wallet,” said the man, who asked to remain anonymous.

He recounted that the men wore black clothing and covered their faces, revealing only their eyes. “I couldn’t tell who they were,” he said.

According to his family, none of the men displayed uniforms or official badges, which caused confusion about whether they were legitimate government officers.

Irregular ICE Detention Raises Questions

Family members now believe the arrest may have been carried out by bounty hunters, a controversial practice that has caused fear among immigrant communities.

However, ICE issued an official statement clarifying that the agency “does not collaborate or work with private bounty hunters.”

“When ICE carries out an arrest, agents identify themselves and present the proper paperwork,” the agency stated.

Detained for Weeks, Family Left in the Dark

The man’s wife, Alondra Flores, said none of that happened during the incident. “They were wearing hoods, just like my husband said, and they didn’t give him any papers,” she told Univision 14.

The man remained in custody for several weeks before being released, though his family still doubts whether his constitutional rights and due process were respected.

“It was very sad, but we’re happy now that my dad is back,” one of his children said through tears.

Immigrant advocates warn that the case reflects a growing pattern of irregular detentions targeting undocumented residents, often without clear identification or proper warrants.

How Bounty Hunters Operate, According to CARAS

According to Univision 14, Tatiana Díaz, a member of the immigrant rights group CARAS, explained that bounty hunters often mimic ICE tactics.

“They operate just like immigration officers — using rental cars or vehicles from other cities to blend in,” she said.

Díaz advised community members to remain alert and to report any suspicious vehicles or individuals to the Rapid Response Network, which assists families facing possible immigration enforcement actions.

“It’s crucial to verify the identity of anyone claiming to be an ICE agent before cooperating,” she added.

The case has reignited the debate over unverified detentions and lack of accountability in immigration enforcement operations across the U.S.

Advocacy groups are now urging ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to clarify the boundaries between official operations and private enforcement.