San Bernardino Man Testifies About Immigration Agents Shooting at His Truck

Martin Rascon recounts incident where federal agents opened fire on his vehicle, raising concerns over immigration enforcement tactics

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Martin Rascon, a 23-year-old U.S. citizen, testified before Congress about a harrowing incident in which federal immigration agents in San Bernardino, California shot at the pickup truck he was riding in with his brother-in-law and father-in-law. Rascon described how the agents smashed the vehicle's windows, punched the driver, and opened fire as the truck drove away, narrowly missing the occupants. The incident has sparked criticism of aggressive immigration enforcement tactics and questions about the agents' justification for using lethal force.

Why it matters

The case highlights growing concerns over the tactics used by federal immigration agents, particularly the use of force against individuals who may not be the intended targets. It also raises questions about the transparency and accountability of immigration enforcement operations, as well as the impact on immigrant communities and civil liberties.

The details

According to Rascon's testimony, on August 16th, he was riding in a pickup truck with his brother-in-law Francisco Longoria and father-in-law Jonathan when they were suddenly confronted by four armed, masked men who smashed the vehicle's windows and pointed guns at them. Rascon says the men, later identified as federal immigration agents, then opened fire as the truck drove away, with bullets striking the passenger side. The Department of Homeland Security claimed the agents were acting in self-defense after Longoria allegedly drove at them, but police records and Rascon's account contradict this version of events.

  • On August 16, 2026, federal immigration agents confronted Rascon and his family in their pickup truck.
  • On August 28, 2026, ICE agents returned to Longoria's home at 4 a.m. and arrested him on an assault charge, which was later dismissed by a judge for lack of evidence.

The players

Martin Rascon

A 23-year-old U.S. citizen who was a passenger in the pickup truck that was shot at by federal immigration agents.

Francisco Longoria

Rascon's father-in-law, who was the driver of the pickup truck that was shot at by federal immigration agents.

Rep. Robert Garcia

A Democratic Congressman from Long Beach, California who hosted the forum where Rascon testified.

Department of Homeland Security

The federal agency that oversees immigration enforcement, including the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers involved in the incident.

San Bernardino Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and contradicted the DHS's account of events.

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What they’re saying

“But to my surprise, I was instead met with four men in face masks, sunglasses and baseball caps, and guns drawn, pointed straight at us, walking straight toward our car.”

— Martin Rascon (whittierdailynews.com)

“Any one of those bullets could have killed me or two people that I love.”

— Martin Rascon (whittierdailynews.com)

“The men breached our front doors by breaking the locks and yelling that we needed to come out of the house with our hands up.”

— Martin Rascon (whittierdailynews.com)

What’s next

Rep. Robert Garcia has vowed to impeach the U.S. Homeland Security Secretary if she does not resign or is not fired over the incident.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for greater transparency, accountability, and oversight of immigration enforcement operations, particularly when it comes to the use of force against individuals who may not be the intended targets. It also underscores the impact that aggressive tactics can have on immigrant communities and civil liberties.