Fact Check: "Agents were targeting a man linked to a previous collision with federal vehicles."
What We Know
On June 11, 2025, federal agents from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) conducted a targeted arrest in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, using unmarked vehicles. The DHS stated that the operation was aimed at a man named Christian Damian Cerno-Camacho, who was accused of assaulting a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer. According to the agency, Cerno-Camacho attempted to flee when agents attempted to arrest him, leading to the use of their vehicles to pin his car against the road (New York Times, CBS News). Video footage of the incident shows the agents colliding with Cerno-Camacho's vehicle, drawing their weapons, and subsequently arresting him (CBS News).
The DHS explicitly stated that this was "no hit and run" but rather a "targeted arrest of a violent rioter" (New York Times). Witnesses reported that agents drew their guns and used tear gas during the arrest, which has led to public outcry regarding the aggressive tactics used by federal agents in this operation (CBS News).
Analysis
The claim that agents were targeting a man linked to a previous collision with federal vehicles is supported by the statements from the DHS and corroborated by video evidence of the incident. The DHS's assertion that the arrest was targeted and related to a violent act against a federal officer lends credibility to their actions. However, the lack of immediate availability of charging documents or further evidence raises questions about the transparency of the operation (New York Times).
Witness accounts provide additional context, indicating that the agents had been following Cerno-Camacho since Long Beach and that they believed he was aware of being followed, which contributed to the dramatic nature of the arrest (CBS News). The aggressive tactics used have been criticized by local officials, suggesting a broader concern about the methods employed by federal agents in urban settings (CBS News).
While the sources of information are credible, including mainstream news outlets, the potential for bias exists, particularly in the framing of the incident by different parties involved. The DHS's characterization of the individual as a "violent rioter" may reflect a specific narrative aimed at justifying their actions.
Conclusion
The claim that agents were targeting a man linked to a previous collision with federal vehicles is True. The evidence presented by the DHS, along with corroborating video footage and witness accounts, confirms that the operation was indeed a targeted arrest related to prior violent actions against federal personnel. However, the aggressive tactics employed and the subsequent public reaction highlight ongoing concerns regarding law enforcement practices in such operations.
