A United States citizen livestreamed her detention by federal immigration agents who smashed her car window with a hammer at a California gas station, raising serious questions about law enforcement overreach and constitutional rights.
Dramatic Arrest Captured on Live Video
Maria Santay broadcast her arrest from a Chevron station in El Monte, California. Federal agents surrounded her vehicle at approximately 2 p.m. before breaking the window as she pleaded with viewers. “They’re breaking my window, guys, I’m a U.S. citizen,” Santay said during the livestream. “Lord, please protect me.” The confrontation occurred after agents boxed her car from multiple angles while she was filling up with gas.
Maria Santay, a U.S. citizen and community observer, live-streamed masked ICE agents detaining her after they boxed in her car from all sides and smashed her window. Local police showed up and did nothing except watch.
Maria was taken to another county, denied access to a… pic.twitter.com/g5EJ3YEicm
— Christopher Webb (@cwebbonline) January 31, 2026
Santay works as a community observer and believes her activism made her a target. Two days before the arrest, she recorded another encounter with immigration officers near Interstate 10, where someone told her, “That’s your first warning.” She described that incident as intimidation rather than a legitimate traffic stop.
Released After Hours-Long Detention
Federal agents transported Santay from El Monte to Santa Ana, a journey she called a “joy ride.” Authorities released her by 5 p.m. with charges including resisting arrest. During the ordeal, she said El Monte police officers refused to let her use restroom facilities, forcing her to relieve herself outdoors while handcuffed. The El Monte Police Department issued a statement saying officers responded to support Customs and Border Protection but were not directly involved in the federal operation.
ICE agents detained US citizen Maria Santay at gunpoint in El Monte, California, after pursuing her car, breaking its window and pulling weapons while she live-streamed the encounter. Santay is reportedly known for monitoring ICE operations in El Monte pic.twitter.com/07Ila0FflG
— TRT World (@trtworld) February 1, 2026
Constitutional Concerns and Community Response
The incident highlights tensions between federal immigration enforcement and constitutional protections for American citizens. Santay expressed gratitude that agents focused on her rather than other community members, despite her traumatic experience. Protesters gathered outside the El Monte police station Friday evening, demonstrating with cowbells and car horns. A crowdfunding campaign has been established to help Santay with legal expenses and vehicle repairs. Customs and Border Protection has not responded to requests for comment about the arrest.