DHS Responds to Viral Video of Tense ICE Raid in San Antonio

The incident involving women and children has raised questions about the legality of the agents' actions.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The Department of Homeland Security has responded to a viral video showing a tense confrontation between armed law enforcement agents and a family during an ICE raid on a San Antonio home. The video captures the agents searching the home without an apparent warrant, leading to a heated exchange with the residents. While the agents ultimately left without making any arrests, the incident has sparked calls for an investigation into the immigration enforcement practices.

Why it matters

The video has raised significant concerns about the legality and appropriateness of ICE's tactics, particularly the use of force and lack of a warrant, when conducting raids on private residences. This incident comes amid ongoing debates over immigration enforcement and the Trump administration's policies.

The details

The video shows ICE officers attempting to arrest Gonzalo Mejia Ortega, a 34-year-old Mexican national with a criminal history, who fled into the home and out a window to avoid capture. During the confrontation, an individual assaulted an ICE officer, leading the agents to leave without completing the arrest due to safety concerns. DHS claims the agents had a warrant for Mejia Ortega's arrest, but the residents repeatedly asked to see the warrant, which the agents did not produce.

  • The incident occurred on February 5, 2026.
  • On February 7, 2026, DHS released a statement responding to the viral video.

The players

Gonzalo Mejia Ortega

A 34-year-old Mexican national with a criminal history, including three previous arrests for domestic assault, who was the target of the ICE raid.

U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro

A U.S. Representative who called for an investigation into the incident, claiming the video raises serious concerns about immigration enforcement practices under the Trump administration.

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What they’re saying

“On February 5, ICE officers were conducting a targeted operation to arrest Gonzalo Mejia Ortega, 34, a violent criminal illegal alien from Mexico with three previous arrests for domestic assault. Officers had a warrant for his arrest.”

— DHS (foxsanantonio.com)

“This criminal illegal chose to commit a felony by illegally re-entering the U.S. after he was previously removed.”

— DHS (foxsanantonio.com)

“While exiting the house, an individual assaulted an ICE officer. ICE officers attempted to arrest this individual for assault - a felony and federal crime - but agitators within the house interfered with the lawful arrest.”

— DHS (foxsanantonio.com)

“The video raises serious concerns about immigration enforcement practices under the Trump administration, which has purposely freed up more ICE agents to go and break into people's homes with no warrant, without cause.”

— U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro (foxsanantonio.com)

What’s next

ICE is consulting with the U.S. Attorney's Office to pursue federal criminal charges against the individual who assaulted the ICE officer.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and debates surrounding immigration enforcement tactics, particularly the use of force and lack of warrants when conducting raids on private residences. It underscores the need for greater oversight and accountability in how ICE carries out its operations.