The boy’s mother described the terrifying moment armed agents surrounded their car. She says the agents pointed guns and a taser at her and her son. The teen, who has speech and hearing disabilities, was handcuffed.
Details of the Wrongful Detainment Incident
The confrontation happened on August 11. Andreina Mejia and her son were parked outside Arleta High School. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrived to arrest a different individual.
The agents targeted the family’s vehicle by mistake. They forcibly removed both the mother and her son from the car. The teenage boy was then placed in handcuffs.
Mejia repeatedly told the officers about her son’s disabilities. She explained he has significant communication challenges. Her pleas were initially ignored during the chaotic scene.
According to KABC, the boy was held in restraints for several minutes. He was visibly terrified and confused by the event. The family’s attorneys confirm the agents had the wrong people.
The Department of Homeland Security identified their target as Cristian Alexander Vasquez-Alvarenga. He is a Salvadoran national with suspected gang ties. The intended subject was not connected to the detained family.
Legal Action and Official Response
The family has filed a tort claim against the U.S. government. The claim cites false arrest, false imprisonment, and battery. Attorneys are seeking damages for the traumatic event.
Lawyer Christian Contreras expressed outrage over the incident. He emphasized the trauma inflicted on a vulnerable child. Contreras stated the agents’ actions were unacceptable.
DHS released a controversial statement following the event. The agency claimed the boy’s family assisted agents with a gang member’s arrest. This account has been fiercely denied by the family and their legal team.
Attorney Michael Carrillo called the DHS statement a dangerous falsehood. He said it unnecessarily jeopardizes the family’s safety. The legal team demands a full retraction from the government.
DHS also criticized the family’s legal counsel in its statement. The agency accused the law firm of exploiting the situation for financial gain. This has further heightened tensions surrounding the case.
Impact on the Teen and Family
The mother says her son suffers from lasting psychological effects. He experiences nightmares and has a renewed fear of school. The simple daily routine has become a significant challenge.
Mejia described the difficulty of getting her son to attend classes each morning. He is fearful of leaving home after the traumatic detention. The family is seeking professional counseling for him.
Attorneys report that surveillance video of the incident exists. The footage is held by the Los Angeles Unified School District. The legal team is formally requesting the video be released to the public.
The wrongful detainment of a special needs student highlights serious concerns about police procedures. This case continues to develop as the family seeks justice. The emotional impact on the young boy remains profound.
Must Know (FAQ Section)
What happened to the special needs student in Los Angeles?
Federal immigration officers detained a 15-year-old special needs student at gunpoint. The incident was a case of mistaken identity outside his school. The teen was handcuffed before being released.
Why were federal agents at the high school?
Agents were attempting to arrest a suspected MS-13 gang member. The individual was identified as Cristian Alexander Vasquez-Alvarenga. The operation was conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
What legal action is the family taking?
The family has filed a tort claim against the federal government. The claim includes charges of false arrest and imprisonment. They are seeking damages for the traumatic event.
How has the incident affected the teenager?
The boy suffers from nightmares and anxiety following the detention. He has developed a fear of attending school. His family is providing him with ongoing psychological support.
Is there video evidence of the incident?
Attorneys confirm the Los Angeles school district has surveillance video. They have formally requested the footage be released. The video is expected to provide a full account of the event.
How has the government responded to the claims?
The Department of Homeland Security issued a statement contradicting the family’s account. The agency claimed the family assisted with an arrest, which the family denies. This response has been heavily criticized.
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