Overview
- Newly released El Monte police body camera footage shows officers approaching Maria Santay’s SUV moments before masked federal agents broke a window and detained her on Jan. 30.
- Police Chief Jake Fisher says officers responded to a CBP assistance call, sought to de‑escalate, then pulled back once told a federal detention would occur as required by California’s SB 54.
- The Department of Homeland Security alleges Santay followed agents, ran red lights, and blocked vehicles, and says it issued violations for assaulting, resisting or impeding officers and for conspiracy to impede or injure officers.
- Santay, a U.S. citizen who livestreamed parts of the encounter, has said she feared for her life; she was arrested and later released the same day.
- A packed city council meeting and a prayer vigil drew calls for stronger local protections and transparency, with the police department launching an internal review and planning community listening sessions.