Virginia officials demand investigation into ICE encounter involving brain injury

Virginia officials are calling for an investigation into an encounter between Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and José Mejía Hernández in Arlington. Mejía, who was walking to work on August 11, alleges he was chased and struck with a Taser by federal agents.

Medical records indicate that Mejía was hospitalized for three days suffering from a traumatic brain injury and a brain bleed. Visual evidence shared via social media shows Mejía with significant facial bruising, swelling, and stitches on his lip. His attorney, Carlos Jurado, noted the difficulty of communicating with Mejía due to the severity of his brain injury.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has disputed Mejía’s account, stating that agents used “necessary force” after he attempted to evade arrest and maintained that he remained responsive. DHS also released details regarding Mejía’s immigration history, noting he illegally entered the U.S. in 2006, accepted a voluntary return to Mexico, and reentered illegally in 2008. Additionally, the agency noted a 2020 conviction for public intoxication in Fairfax County.