Video Shows ICE Detaining a U.S. Citizen in Rochester

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) briefly detained a U.S. citizen, identified as Jose Castro, during a traffic stop in Rochester on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, raising alarm among bystanders and advocates.

Video captured by Kayden Goode shows Jose Castro being detained by ICE on Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Maya Lopez, a witness who captured the event on video, recounted that ICE agents, assisted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, pulled over Castro’s truck on Brown Street shortly before 8 a.m. Authorities were reportedly targeting undocumented individuals when they stopped the vehicle. Lopez said the agents shouted demands for occupants to exit and smashed a window in the process.

In the video, Castro is heard asserting: “My name is Jose Castro. I am a citizen here.”

A female witness later said Castro showed agents his driver’s license and proof of citizenship, and repeatedly asked to see a warrant—a request she said was refused.

Castro, who moved to the United States from Ecuador a decade ago, was reportedly on his way to work with co‑workers when the stop occurred. His sister, Dina Castro, said he has no criminal background and left the scene traumatized.

ICE confirmed that while Castro was released without charges, four passengers in the vehicle—noncitizens with final removal orders—were arrested and face deportation.

In a written statement, ICE said the operation was part of an "intelligence-driven enforcement action" by its Buffalo field office. Agents “used the minimum amount of force necessary” and emphasized that they do not base enforcement on race or ethnicity.

Immigration attorney Gadi Zohar of Zohar Law in New York City commented that “It’s rare to see a U.S. citizen be detained in such a situation,” adding that while citizens must show ID if requested, agencies typically move quickly once citizenship is verified.

The incident has reignited debates over ICE practices and raised concerns among community members, especially given that at least one bystander expressed being “horrified” at seeing Castro forcibly removed despite asserting his citizenship.

ICE did not immediately respond to follow‑up questions regarding whether a warrant was obtained prior to the window being broken or on what grounds agents detained Castro. The status of the other individuals arrested remains unclear.

Watch more from WHEC, News ch. 10 Rochester, NY

https://www.whec.com/top-news/ice-detains-u-s-citizen-in-rochester/