U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detained and injured Erick Zepeda, a 20-year-old special-needs student and U.S. citizen, near Santa Maria High School in Santa Maria, California. Key Details of the Incident •The Date and Location: The incident occurred on the morning of Wednesday, October 21, 2026, about half a mile from Santa Maria High School while the student was walking to class. • •The Identity: The student is Erick Zepeda, a 20-year-old U.S. citizen who attends special education classes and has limited verbal communication skills. • •What Happened: ICE agents conducting a targeted enforcement operation believed Zepeda matched the description of a criminal target. They tackled him to the ground, handcuffed him, and questioned him in their vehicle. Zepeda stated he had ID in his wallet, though agents did not ask to see it. • •The Injuries: Family, school officials, and local representatives reported that Zepeda suffered a broken wrist (requiring surgery), a black eye, bruising, and cuts. • •Aftermath: Once the agents confirmed his identity, they released him back near the spot where they picked him up. Zepeda walked the rest of the way to school, where administrators called an ambulance to take him to the hospital