DHS Denies Beating Claims, Says Illegal Immigrant Injured Head Fleeing ICE

Authorities say Alberto Castaneda-Mondragon hit concrete wall while attempting to escape custody.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Department of Homeland Security has denied claims that an illegal immigrant was beaten by immigration officers, stating that Alberto Castaneda-Mondragon hit his head on a concrete wall while trying to escape custody during a January operation in Minnesota. Castaneda-Mondragon had alleged that he suffered skull fractures and brain hemorrhages from being beaten by ICE agents, but DHS says he declined medical treatment at the time and was only later taken to a hospital for his head injury.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between immigration authorities and undocumented immigrants, with both sides providing conflicting accounts of what occurred. It also raises questions about use of force by ICE officers and the treatment of those in their custody.

The details

According to DHS, Castaneda-Mondragon, a 31-year-old Mexican citizen, was placed in handcuffs during the January 8th operation when he attempted to flee. The agency says Castaneda-Mondragon ran toward a highway and hit his head on a concrete wall while trying to escape. Officers then called an ambulance, but Castaneda-Mondragon declined medical treatment at the time, only later being taken to a hospital for his head injury.

  • On January 8, 2026, ICE officers placed Castaneda-Mondragon in handcuffs during an operation in Minnesota.
  • Castaneda-Mondragon attempted to escape from custody and ran toward a highway, hitting his head on a concrete wall.

The players

Alberto Castaneda-Mondragon

A 31-year-old Mexican citizen who was detained by ICE officers in Minnesota.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency that detained Castaneda-Mondragon.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal agency that oversees ICE and has denied the claims of Castaneda-Mondragon being beaten by officers.

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What they’re saying

“There was never a wall.”

— Alberto Castaneda-Mondragon (The Associated Press)

What’s next

Authorities have not indicated if they will investigate Castaneda-Mondragon's claims of being beaten by ICE officers.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between immigration authorities and undocumented immigrants, with both sides providing conflicting accounts of what occurred. It raises questions about the use of force by ICE officers and the treatment of those in their custody.