CBP agent shoots at vehicle in San Bernardino during enforcement operation

San Bernardino, CA — A Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer fired at a vehicle during a targeted enforcement operation in San Bernardino on Saturday, with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stating the action was taken in "self-defense" after the driver allegedly struck two officers.

Incident Details

• Time and Location: The incident occurred around 9 a.m. near Acacia Avenue and Baseline Street.
• Initial Response: San Bernardino police responded to reports of an "officer-involved shooting" involving federal immigration agents.
• Suspect's Account: An unidentified man contacted dispatch, claiming masked men attempted to pull him over, broke his car window, and shot at him. He said he did not recognize them and requested police assistance.

DHS Statement

A DHS spokesperson said CBP officers were injured when a suspect refused to exit his vehicle and "tried to run them down." The spokesperson claimed the suspect drove his car at the officers, striking two, prompting a CBP officer to discharge his firearm in self-defense.

Community Response

The Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice reported that federal agents broke the vehicle's windows and fired three shots. A video uploaded to Facebook by the group shows agents in "police" vests shouting at the occupants to roll down the window. The driver responded, "No la voy a abrir" ("I’m not going to open it"). The video captures the sound of shattering glass and three gunshots but does not show the vehicle striking the officers.

Police Involvement

San Bernardino police later located the vehicle on Mt. View Drive but did not know why federal agents were pursuing the man. Under California’s Values Act, local law enforcement is prohibited from assisting federal immigration enforcement, so officers left the scene.

Conflicting Accounts

• DHS Claim: A spokesperson incorrectly identified the local agency as the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and accused California’s sanctuary policies of shielding criminals.
• Community Allegations: The Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice accused agents of not presenting a warrant and using unnecessary force, detaining two community members, including one for speaking out.

Ongoing Investigation

Federal investigators are reviewing the shooting. Police emphasized that their assistance was for crowd control during a lawful arrest for assaulting a federal officer, not an immigration-related matter.

This is a developing story.