Fresno Protesters Challenge ICE Operations After Agent Shooting

Protesters gathered Saturday afternoon outside River Park in northeast Fresno, California, after a shooting involving an off-duty ICE agent raised concerns about immigration enforcement activity in Fresno and across the Central Valley, according to reports from Fresno police and attendees.

The demonstration on Blackstone Avenue followed Fresno police statements that a 72-year-old man shot 32-year-old David Gonzalez outside a home near Dudley and Broadway. Police identified Gonzalez as a federal agent from Texas assigned to ICE and said he was arrested on suspicion of felony assault.

Protester John Cardenas said the gathering was intended to represent people affected by immigration enforcement actions.

"We're just supporting the Mexican people getting grabbed off the streets for no reason. Going after construction sites, going after Home Depot, the fields. So we're just out here being a voice for the people that can't," said John Cardenas, protester.

Cardenas also said the demonstration was focused on broader human rights concerns. The protest followed reports of increased ICE activity in Fresno and throughout the Central Valley.

"We're kinda just out here fighting for everyone's voice. It doesn't matter if you're brown, black, it doesn't matter what party you are...blue or red. It's all about human rights," said John Cardenas, protester.

Protester Megan Hernandez defended the homeowner involved in the shooting, referencing the police account that Gonzalez allegedly assaulted two people before being shot.

"Not only was that man off duty, but he was the aggressor in that situation. Entering anyone's property as an aggressor, you are subject to whatever happens to you at that point," said Megan Hernandez, protester.

Fresno City Councilmember Mike Karbassi, whose district includes River Park, questioned ICE operations following the incident. He said the circumstances raised concerns about agency activity in the community.

"If that happens at three in the morning. Off duty? What's happening at two in the afternoon? On duty," said Mike Karbassi, Fresno City Councilmember.

Karbassi continued his remarks about the agency's presence in the area during the protest.

"It begs the question, I think that for the sake of their mission, for the sake of our officers, for the sake of our community, it's time for them to suspend their operation and just go elsewhere," said Mike Karbassi, Fresno City Councilmember.

Fresno police said they are investigating why Gonzalez was in the neighborhood. Police said they would not release additional information Saturday, and his current condition and custody status were not immediately available.