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Prudencio R.R.: Farmworker with valid work permit pulled from car and detained by ICE

Prudencio Rivera Rios, 31, a farmworker with a valid work permit, had his car window smashed and was detained driving home from a poultry farm night shift. Agents confirmed his papers were valid and released him without apology.

Oct 14, 2026Kerman, CA

Prudencio R.R.: Farmworker with valid work permit pulled from car and detained by ICE
Photo via KMPH

Prudencio Rivera Rios, 31, a farmworker who entered the U.S. in 2023 through the CBP One asylum process, was followed by an unmarked truck with Texas plates while driving home from a night shift at a poultry farm near Kerman. After he pulled over, agents told him he had a deportation order and that his work permit did not authorize him to live in the U.S.; when he refused to unlock his doors, they smashed his rear window, pulled him out, forced him to the ground, and handcuffed him. Rivera livestreamed part of the encounter on Facebook, showing agents his work authorization card and telling them in Spanish that his papers were in order. He was taken to the ICE office in Fresno, where agents later confirmed his documents were valid and he had no criminal record, and released without apology. His wife, Marisol Montiel, said she learned of the stop through his livestream and feared raising their two children alone if he were deported. Rivera, who checks in with ICE monthly and has an asylum appointment scheduled for next year, said the experience left him afraid to return to work.

Timeline

Oct 14, 2026—Los Angeles Times reported on the incident amid broader ICE enforcement surge in California's Central Valley
Oct 8, 2026—Prudencio Rivera Rios pulled over, car window smashed, and detained by ICE agents near Kerman while driving home from work
Oct 8, 2026—Taken to ICE office in Fresno and released after hours of detention once agents confirmed valid work permit and no criminal record
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