Video Shows Teen Detained by Immigration Agent in Key West

Family says 19-year-old asylum seeker was detained near his home, raising concerns about immigration enforcement tactics.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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A cellphone video recorded in Key West shows a Border Patrol agent struggling with a 19-year-old man on the ground, repeatedly warning him he would be tased. The young man, identified as Luis Sandoval Gomez, was detained just blocks from his home, according to his family. Another local resident also reported a previous encounter with an immigration agent last summer.

Why it matters

The incidents highlight growing concerns about immigration enforcement tactics in the Key West area, with residents questioning the agents' use of force and treatment of individuals who may have valid immigration status or are seeking asylum.

The details

In the video, the Border Patrol agent can be heard telling Sandoval Gomez, "Stop, you're going to get tased. You're going to get tased," as the young man responds, "Hey, bro. I got to work." Witnesses can be heard shouting at the agent, with someone yelling, "Sir, that's a kid, he's not resisting you. You threw him off his bike." Another local resident, Dan Mathers, also reported a previous encounter with an immigration agent last summer, where he was detained for several hours after recording the agent making an arrest.

  • The incident occurred around noon on February 14, 2026 along Staples Avenue near George Street in Key West.
  • Mathers reported his encounter with an immigration agent occurred on July 21, 2025.

The players

Luis Sandoval Gomez

A 19-year-old asylum seeker who was detained by a Border Patrol agent near his home in Key West.

Dan Mathers

A Key West resident who reported a previous encounter with an immigration agent last summer, where he was detained for several hours after recording the agent making an arrest.

U.S. Border Patrol

The federal law enforcement agency responsible for the incidents in Key West.

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What they’re saying

“It's an injustice. It's tremendous pain. When I see the video, I can't believe it.”

— Sandoval Gomez's aunt (NBC6)

“We are not criminals. We only came to this beautiful country to work.”

— Sandoval Gomez's aunt (NBC6)

“I thought you'd be taller. You're a lot shorter in real life.”

— Dan Mathers, Key West resident (NBC6)

What’s next

Sandoval Gomez's family says they are praying for his release from the state-run detention camp, and NBC6 is awaiting a response from U.S. Border Patrol about both incidents.

The takeaway

These incidents raise concerns about the tactics used by immigration enforcement agents in the Key West area, with residents questioning the use of force and treatment of individuals who may have valid immigration status or are seeking asylum.