Full Breakdown
Woodland Police Probe ICE Vehicle Collision with Community Protester
By Drooid · · How we work
Incident Overview
On a Tuesday morning in Woodland, California, a Chevrolet Tahoe operated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) struck Antonio Moreida, a 37-year-old resident documenting ICE activity near Clover and College Streets. Video from multiple angles shows Moreida standing in the roadway, recording license plates, when the vehicle swerved and made contact, knocking him to the ground. He was treated at the scene for scrapes on his hands and knees and then taken to a local hospital. The driver reported the collision to dispatch and, according to Woodland police, cooperated with investigators.
Background & Context
The incident occurred amid heightened community tension over recent federal immigration enforcement operations in California. State officials have called for thorough investigations of such incidents, citing concerns about law-enforcement conduct during immigration sweeps.
Data & Statistics
- One pedestrian (Antonio Moreida) was struck.
- Injuries were limited to minor scrapes; no life-threatening harm was reported.
- The vehicle involved was a Chevrolet Tahoe owned by ICE.
Official Statements & Responses
Woodland Police Chief Ryan Kinnan said the department is conducting an independent investigation and will forward findings to the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office. He emphasized the need for an impartial fact-finding process and noted community anxiety over federal law-enforcement presence.
The Department of Homeland Security asserted that ICE did not hit a pedestrian; instead, an “agitator” allegedly jumped onto the vehicle’s hood, prompting the driver to brake. DHS claimed the officer immediately contacted emergency services and that the incident was unrelated to protest activity.
Criticism & Opposition
California Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry condemned the collision, calling the behavior “unacceptable” and below the standards of professionalism and restraint expected from law enforcement. She urged a full investigation and highlighted broader concerns about ICE deployments.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Police and video evidence: Multiple angles captured a vehicle colliding with Moreida as he stood in the street. Woodland police describe the driver as cooperative and the collision as a direct impact.
- DHS claim: DHS asserts that no pedestrian was hit and that an individual climbed onto the vehicle’s hood, causing the driver to brake. This account contradicts the visual evidence and Moreida’s testimony.
The disparity between on-scene video and the DHS narrative creates an unresolved factual gap that the investigation must address.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Our responsibility is to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation to establish the facts.” — Ryan Kinnan, Woodland Police Chief
- “This kind of behavior is unacceptable and falls short of the standards of professionalism and restraint our communities have every right to expect from law enforcement,” — Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, California Assemblymember
What’s Next
Woodland police will continue reviewing additional video footage and witness statements. The investigation will be submitted to the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office for further review; the DA’s office has not issued a public comment at this stage.