Calls for Improved ICE Procedures Following Shooting Incident in Harrisburg
HARRISBURG, Pa. — An immigration attorney in Pennsylvania is urging the need for enhanced protocols around public operations conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after a recent attempted arrest in Harrisburg culminated in a shooting.
On Wednesday morning, ICE officials attempted to apprehend a man at the intersection of South 17th Street and Berryhill Avenue. According to the agency, the individual, identified as a Mexican national, was living in the United States unlawfully.
CBS 21 obtained surveillance footage from a nearby business that captured the critical moments leading to the incident. In the video, an agent clad in a tactical vest is seen exiting an unmarked vehicle while two agents approach the driver’s side, demanding that the occupants exit the vehicle or risk having the window smashed.
Shortly thereafter, an agent shattered the driver’s side window. The driver then attempted to flee, inadvertently colliding with the corner of the agents’ vehicle as well as a parked car.
Following the escape, an ICE spokesperson stated that the driver, identified as Clemente Lara Hernandez, “weaponized his vehicle and collided with an ICE law enforcement vehicle” before driving recklessly against the flow of traffic.
In the footage, an agent can be seen firing at the vehicle as it speeds by. Raymond Lahoud, an immigration attorney based in Allentown with 16 years of experience, expressed concerns that he might have reacted similarly if confronted in such a manner, given that the agents did not identify themselves as law enforcement.
Lahoud emphasized the importance of clear protocols during ICE arrests, suggesting that agents should collaborate with local police departments, utilize marked vehicles, refrain from wearing masks, and clearly identify themselves as law enforcement officials. “While I respect the work that ICE does, proper procedures are necessary to ensure safety during these operations,” he remarked.
When questioned about the rights individuals have in such scenarios, Lahoud referenced a California Supreme Court case, Noem v. Vasquez (2025), emphasizing that ICE agents can stop individuals based on their location, perceived race, or accent. He stated, “It’s essential to have rights in these situations: the right to safety, the right to civility when stopped, and the right to a fair process.”
Lahoud offered two crucial pieces of advice for those who might find themselves in similar situations: first, it is better to remain silent than to provide false information; second, seeking legal counsel is imperative. He added, “What’s truly needed is comprehensive immigration reform from Congress and the White House, rather than the sporadic initiatives from past administrations.”
Dauphin County Commissioner Justin Douglas released a statement calling for a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation into the incident. He noted that the actions depicted in the video appear to contravene U.S. Department of Justice guidelines on the use of deadly force.
Douglas asserted, “The rule of law should apply to everyone, including government entities, regardless of individual immigration status or criminal history. Just because someone is a federal officer doesn’t mean that accountability is optional. Law enforcement has significant power, and with that comes an even greater responsibility to act with professionalism, self-control, and sound judgment. The public rightfully expects that dangerous situations be managed effectively without jeopardizing community safety.”
