Woodland police confirm ICE SUV struck pedestrian, contradicting DHS claims

Key points

• ICE vehicle struck Antonio Moreida in Woodland, CA, on Oct 20, 2026, at 9:40 a.m.
• DHS initially claimed Moreida jumped on the hood; Woodland police and video evidence contradict this
• Woodland police are conducting a criminal investigation into the collision
• ICE later stated Moreida impeded law enforcement but did not admit to hitting him
• Sen. Alex Padilla visited the Sacramento ICE facility to demand answers about the incident
• DHS called Padilla's visit a 'stunt' and claimed it disrupted operations

Background

This incident follows a series of similar cases in 2026 where unmarked ICE vehicles struck pedestrians, including a case in Houston in October involving Miguel Parra-Hernandez. In that case, ICE claimed the victim ran in front of the vehicle during a pursuit, while advocates argued he was unaware the vehicle was law enforcement. The Houston case also involved local investigations and disputes over the accuracy of federal accounts. The Woodland incident is part of a broader pattern of scrutiny regarding ICE operations and use of force during the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.

How outlets are covering it

DHS initially claimed Moreida jumped onto the hood of the ICE vehicle and slid off, accusing him of 'flopping for the camera.' However, Woodland Police Chief Ryan Kinnan stated that video evidence contradicted this, confirming Moreida was struck and did not jump on the vehicle. ICE later revised its statement, claiming Moreida 'chose to directly impede a law enforcement action' but stopped claiming he jumped on the hood. DHS also criticized Sen. Padilla's visit to the Sacramento ICE facility as a 'stunt' that disrupted operations, while Padilla's office said he was seeking answers about the collision. Rep. Mike Thompson called ICE's initial statements 'disappointing but not surprising,' citing a history of misleading the public. Former ICE attorney Ryan Schwank argued that Moreida was within his rights to film and was not impeding the vehicle, criticizing ICE's reduced training for officers in vehicle operations and confrontations.

Why it matters

The incident raises concerns about the accuracy of federal accounts of immigration enforcement operations and the potential for excessive use of force. The contradiction between DHS statements and local police findings, supported by multiple video sources, highlights tensions between federal and local authorities. The criminal investigation by Woodland police and the involvement of elected officials like Sen. Padilla and Rep. Mike Thompson indicate growing scrutiny of ICE practices. The incident also underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in federal law enforcement, particularly during high-profile immigration operations.

What to watch

Woodland police are conducting a criminal investigation into the collision and will submit their findings to the district attorney's office. DHS has not announced a formal investigation into the incident, though ICE has stated it is instituting additional training for officers, effective June 2, 2026. Sen. Padilla and Rep. Mike Thompson are demanding answers from federal immigration officials, with Thompson calling for ICE to cooperate with local law enforcement and hold individuals accountable for misconduct. The status of the ICE agent involved in the collision remains unclear, as DHS did not comment on the matter in response to Padilla's visit.