A video circulating on social media platform X shows an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent breaking the window of a vehicle during an arrest in Weber County, Utah. The Utah Highway Patrol (UHP) has confirmed the incident and stated that the use of force was justified.

Traffic Stop and Initial Encounter

According to UHP, the incident began when a vehicle was observed speeding on Interstate 15 near 5600 South, traveling at 90 miles per hour. During the traffic stop, troopers discovered that the three occupants of the car were unable to produce valid driver’s licenses or identification.

Identification and ICE Detainers

UHP Major Chamberlin Neff explained that the driver presented a photo ID on a cell phone, which was identified as a Mexican ID. This ID revealed the existence of a federal detainer. Upon discovering the detainers, UHP contacted ICE.

Escalation and Window Break

As ICE agents and a Weber County Sheriff’s Office deputy arrived on the scene, the front passenger exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. A trooper and a federal agent pursued the fleeing passenger.

Major Neff stated that the driver remained inside the vehicle and “refused to get out.” The video shows an ICE agent breaking the car window to gain access to the driver. Both the driver and the fleeing passenger had active ICE detainers.

Justification for Force

When questioned about the legality of breaking a vehicle window during a traffic stop, Major Neff emphasized the priority of obtaining voluntary surrender. He explained that because the driver did not comply and a detainer was in place, the ICE agent deemed breaking the window necessary to achieve compliance.

“So ICE in this situation, the ICE agent did feel that breaking the window was his ultimate decision to make,” Neff said. “So he did break that window, which ultimately allowed us to be able to open the door and then arrest that driver.”

UHP Training and Potential Consequences

UHP troopers are trained to escalate their response, potentially using force, when faced with non-compliance. Neff confirmed that breaking a window and physically removing individuals from a vehicle are within the scope of their training.

Regarding potential consequences for unjustified use of force, Neff stated that civil litigation, policy violations, and even criminal charges could be considered. 2News reached out to ICE for comment but did not receive a response.