ICE Agents Pepper-Spray Ohio Mom, 3 Kids Inside Moving Vehicle

Video shows agents deploying spray after mom warned others of ICE presence

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A Columbus, Ohio, mother is seeking an investigation after two ICE agents pepper-sprayed her and her three children, ages 18, 15, and 11, while they were inside her moving vehicle. The incident occurred after the 18-year-old daughter warned others nearby that ICE agents were in the area. Video shows the agents driving up alongside the mother's car and deploying the spray through the open window before driving away.

Why it matters

The incident has raised concerns about the use of force by ICE agents and whether their actions were justified, especially given that the family was in a moving vehicle at the time. It also highlights tensions between immigration enforcement and local communities, as well as questions about the appropriate boundaries for monitoring and recording ICE activities.

The details

According to the mother's account, she and her three daughters were driving home from shopping at Easton Town Center on December 21 when the 18-year-old daughter spotted the ICE agents and warned others nearby in Spanish. The agents then pulled up alongside the mother's car and deployed pepper spray through the open window, hitting the family. The mother said she was able to drive for about half a mile before the agents began weaving in and out of traffic, at which point she stopped following them. Columbus police responded to the incident after the 18-year-old called 911, but the mother and her attorney say the investigation was not thorough enough.

  • The incident occurred on December 21, 2025.
  • It took place the same week ICE launched 'Operation Buckeye', a targeted immigration enforcement effort.

The players

The Mother

A Columbus, Ohio resident who was driving with her three daughters when the incident occurred. She is seeking an investigation into the actions of the ICE agents.

The 18-Year-Old Daughter

The eldest of the three children in the vehicle, who warned others nearby that ICE agents were in the area before the agents deployed pepper spray.

ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement)

The federal law enforcement agency responsible for immigration enforcement, whose agents were involved in the incident.

Grant Carpenter

An attorney representing the mother in this case.

Sgt. Joe Albert

A Columbus police officer who said the division is reviewing the incident to ensure policies were followed.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'Our eyes were burning and I had crying kids and you're helpless. It's one of those things where you look back like, 'How did I manage to drive?'”

— The Mother (WCMH)

“'If this was anybody other than ICE that was driving by and pepper-spraying a mom with her children in the car, I would seriously hope that CPD would take those allegations seriously.'”

— Grant Carpenter, Attorney (WCMH)

“'ICE officers are trained to act in accordance with the law and agency policy, including the appropriate use of force. Every use-of-force incident is required to be promptly reported and thoroughly reviewed in accordance with ICE and DHS policies and procedures.'”

— ICE Spokesperson (WCMH)

What’s next

The mother and her attorney want the Columbus Police Department to reopen the investigation and for the Department of Homeland Security to investigate the actions of the ICE agents involved.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement and local communities, as well as concerns about the appropriate use of force by federal agents. It raises questions about how law enforcement agencies should balance public safety with individual rights and the need for transparency and accountability.