Disabled US Student’s Wrist Broken in Alleged ICE Assault While Walking to California High School
A 20-year-old U.S. citizen with disabilities allegedly suffered a broken wrist after being tackled and detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents while walking to Santa Maria High School in California on Oct. 21, 2026. The incident has prompted calls for a federal investigation and student walkouts across the Central Coast.
Zepeda, an adult student enrolled in an individualized education program (IEP) at Santa Maria High School, was walking to class at approximately 6:45 a.m. when agents detained him in a vehicle and questioned him about his legal status. He has limited verbal communication skills.
Federal agents released Zepeda after determining they had detained the wrong person. He subsequently walked to school, where administrators noticed his injuries and called an ambulance. According to the statement from California Assembly leaders, he suffered a broken wrist requiring surgery, along with a black eye, bruises and lacerations.
ICE Disputes Reports of Student’s Broken Wrist
An ICE spokesperson disputed reports that Zepeda suffered a broken wrist during the encounter. In an email, the spokesperson described claims of broken bones as “FALSE.” ICE also maintained that Zepeda didn’t request medical attention during the encounter.
The agency said its agents believed he matched the description of an individual they were seeking. The Santa Maria Police Department confirmed the involvement of federal immigration officers after reviewing surveillance footage from a grocery store across the street.
The footage and other evidence were turned over to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for investigation. Separately, The Arc of California reported that Zepeda told his former teacher he feared he was going to die during the encounter.
Federal and California Officials Demand Investigation
The incident prompted federal and state lawmakers to call for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Zepeda’s detention and injuries. U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal, D-Calif., sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and ICE leadership demanding a full investigation.
“A U.S. citizen student was detained and injured on his way to school. DHS and ICE must explain what happened, investigate potential misconduct, and take steps to prevent these incidents from happening again,” Carbajal wrote. California Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and other Assembly members also condemned the incident.
“I condemn this disgusting, racially motivated attack by ICE on one of our students,” said Assemblymember Juan Carrillo, incoming chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus, according to an official statement from the California Assembly. Santa Maria City Councilwoman Gloria Soto also called for an independent investigation.
In a separate development, Carbajal wrote to DHS on Oct. 29 seeking details about federal immigration enforcement operations on the Central Coast. The letter cited reports from rapid-response groups and community residents who said they had witnessed ICE activity on an almost daily basis throughout October.
Students at Santa Maria High School walked out of class to protest the alleged assault and ongoing federal immigration enforcement in the city. More than 100 students at Lompoc High School also joined the demonstrations in solidarity with Zepeda.
The Santa Maria Joint Union High School District confirmed the incident and notified parents, students and staff. No federal charges had been announced in connection with the Oct. 21 incident.
