US citizen shot by ICE agent files $25m federal lawsuit

A California man has filed a $25 million lawsuit against the federal government, alleging he was wrongfully shot by an immigration officer and later subjected to a malicious prosecution. Carlos Jimenez, a resident of Ontario, east of Los Angeles, claims he was a victim of excessive force when he was shot by an ICE agent while on his way to work. The incident, which has left the man with bullet fragments near his lung, is now the subject of a federal court case involving a US citizen shot by ICE in California.

According to the complaint, the incident occurred on October 30, 2025, when Jimenez encountered Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents conducting an operation. Jimenez stated he approached the officers to inform them that local children would soon be arriving at a nearby bus stop. The lawsuit alleges that officer Eusebio Ortiz pointed a firearm at Jimenez’s face and threatened to shoot him. When Jimenez attempted to maneuver his vehicle to leave, Ortiz fired multiple shots, hitting him in the back and shoulder.

A US citizen is suing the government for $25 million after being shot by an ICE officer.

Allegations of interference and fabrication

The lawsuit further claims that FBI agents followed Jimenez to the hospital, where they allegedly interfered with his medical care. The complaint states that agents removed him from his hospital bed, placed him in waist restraints, and transported him to the scene of the shooting for interrogation while he was still suffering from his wounds. Jimenez alleges that while he was bleeding, officers warned him not to ruin their vehicle.

While the Department of Homeland Security initially claimed the officer fired defensive shots after Jimenez attempted to reverse into them, the lawsuit asserts these charges were fabricated. Legal filings note that the criminal complaint lacked any statement from the officer claiming he felt threatened. Furthermore, the suit alleges that the FBI falsely claimed two neighbors witnessed the event and corroborated the officers' account. When interviewed by Jimenez’s legal team, both neighbors denied making such statements and claimed they were unaware of the shooting until they saw news reports.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns regarding the use of force by federal immigration agents and the integrity of subsequent criminal investigations. It follows a pattern of legal challenges against DHS claims of vehicle-based assaults, many of which have faced scrutiny in court. The lawsuit seeks damages for medical expenses and lost wages, raising questions about accountability within federal law enforcement agencies.