Fresno police refused to release an arrested Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent to other ICE agents early Friday morning at Community Regional Medical Center.

A law enforcement official with direct knowledge of the situation described the confrontation as an intense showdown.

However, Fresno officers held firm, the source said, and told the ICE agents that the felony assault suspect would remain in their custody for interrogation.

Fresno City Councilmember Miguel Arias confirmed that version of events as well.

“It’s unprecedented that a federal agency was trying to exit their agent … and lose him in the system so we can’t hold him accountable,” Arias said.

ICE did not immediately respond to GV Wire’s request for comment before publication of this story.

ICE Agent Allegedly Assaults Woman and Her Father

According to a Fresno PD description of the incident, the off-duty ICE agent from Texas allegedly assaulted a Fresno woman and her 72-year-old father at their home in the area of East Dudley and North Broadway Street. Witnesses said that David Gonzalez, 32, was drunk and sleeping on the lawn of the Tower District home.

Before police arrested Gonzalez, one of the victims shot him in the stomach in an act of self-defense, according to the police report. Shortly thereafter, the daughter’s boyfriend, an off-duty police officer, arrived on scene and placed Gonzalez in handcuffs.

“Detectives’ investigation revealed that a resident in the neighborhood arrived home to find Gonzalez sleeping on her front lawn,” a Fresno PD news release stated. “She notified her 72-year-old father, who was inside the home they share. The father went outside to send Gonzalez on his way; however, when Gonzalez was awakened, he appeared intoxicated and agitated. Gonzalez then physically assaulted the 72-year-old victim, causing him several visible injuries as he was forced to the ground.

“When the victim’s daughter tried to intervene on her father’s behalf, Gonzalez physically attacked her, at which time she went to the ground. Due to Gonzalez’ actions, the victim feared for the physical safety of both himself and his daughter. The victim produced a firearm and fired one shot at Gonzalez, striking him.”

Fresno City Councilmember Miguel Arias said the ICE agents on a 45-day enforcement assignment in Fresno partied at several bars in the Tower District before Gonzalez “passed out drunk on the front lawn.”

Said Arias: “While the investigation remains ongoing, the allegations are deeply troubling. Federal agents entrusted with enforcing the law must be held accountable when they are accused of breaking it. I appreciate the Fresno Police Department’s response and expect a thorough investigation.

“Enough is enough. We’ve endured days of fear-stricken enforcement that has now tilted into full-bore violence. I am calling on ICE to suspend its ongoing operations in the Central Valley. Our residents deserve safety, accountability, and peace of mind. Federal enforcement must never come at the expense of the communities it is supposed to serve.”

Police Respond to ShotSpotter

Police responded to the scene at about 3:20 a.m. after receiving several 9-1-1 calls for a single gunshot being fired in the neighborhood. An ambulance took Gonzalez to the hospital.

“Based on information established during the investigation, the victim who shot Gonzalez is not facing criminal charges, and he was legally in possession of the firearm that was used,” Fresno police said.

Gonzalez is in custody for felony assault charges while the victims’ injuries are still being evaluated. It is unknown at this time why Gonzalez was in the area at the time of the incident, but it has been confirmed he was off-duty and alone at the time of the incident.

Got a Tip?

Detectives are seeking any additional witnesses or video available to assist with the investigation. Tipsters can contact the Fresno Police Department at (559) 621-7000 or Crimestoppers at (498) STOP.