Immigration Agents Accused of Using Banned Chokeholds, Neck Restraints

Experts say agents' tactics put civilians' lives at risk and violate federal policies

Jan. 27, 2026 at 12:07pm

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Immigration agents have been accused of using banned chokeholds, knee-on-neck restraints, and other dangerous tactics that can restrict breathing or blood flow, putting civilians' lives at risk. ProPublica found more than 40 cases over the past year of immigration agents using these life-threatening maneuvers on immigrants, citizens, and protesters. Experts say the agents' actions violate federal policies and amount to 'bad policing' that puts everyone at risk.

Why it matters

The use of these banned tactics by immigration agents raises concerns about accountability, oversight, and the need for proper training and adherence to policies, especially in the wake of George Floyd's murder and the resulting police reforms. It also highlights tensions between federal immigration enforcement and local communities.

The details

The report details several specific incidents where immigration agents were caught on video using chokeholds, knee-on-neck restraints, and other dangerous tactics that can restrict breathing or blood flow. In one case, a 16-year-old U.S. citizen was put in a chokehold by an agent, leaving him struggling to breathe. In another, an agent used a carotid restraint on a man, causing him to pass out and convulse. Experts say these tactics are prohibited by Department of Homeland Security policy except when deadly force is authorized, which does not appear to have been the case in these incidents.

  • In July, Quinn allegedly dove onto the hood of a Waymo vehicle and covered sensors.
  • On July 29, Quinn allegedly damaged a Waymo's tires and driver's side mirror.
  • On August 11, Quinn allegedly stomped on a windshield while someone was inside.

The players

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The U.S. government agency responsible for immigration enforcement, which has policies prohibiting the use of chokeholds and other dangerous restraint tactics except when deadly force is authorized.

Arnoldo Bazan

A 16-year-old U.S. citizen who was put in a chokehold by an immigration agent during an incident involving his undocumented father.

Carlos Sebastian Zapata Rivera

A young father who was subjected to a carotid restraint by an immigration agent, causing him to pass out and convulse.

Luis Hipolito

A citizen who was tackled and put in a chokehold by a masked immigration agent in Los Angeles.

Amanda Trebach

A citizen and activist who was arrested in Los Angeles while monitoring immigration agents and had an agent kneel on the back of her neck.

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What they’re saying

“These statements were lies”

— Carlos Sebastian Zapata Rivera

“I knew that the amount of pressure being placed on the back of my neck could definitely hurt me. I was having a hard time breathing because my chest was on the ground.”

— Amanda Trebach, Citizen and activist

“Without anything I could see as even remotely a deadly force threat, he immediately goes for the throat. That's the kind of action which should get you fired.”

— Ashley Heiberger, Retired police captain

“Even milliseconds or seconds of interrupted blood flow to the brain can have serious consequences.”

— Dr. Altaf Saadi, Neurologist and associate professor at Harvard Medical School

“Their tactics are less sophisticated than you would think. They sort of drive along the streets, and if they see somebody who looks to them like they could potentially be undocumented, they pull over.”

— Ryan Murphy, Freelance photographer

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.