A San Bernardino family is reeling after masked federal agents smashed the windows of their truck and opened fire on them in broad daylight.
The chaos unfolded Saturday morning when Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents surrounded the family’s vehicle. A video filmed from inside shows agents refusing to identify themselves after the family repeatedly asked for IDs. Instead, the agents barked orders for the father—identified only as Francisco—to get out of the truck.
Seconds later, one of the agents started smashing the windows.
“I had to protect my life and my family,” Francisco told NBC Los Angeles. “My truck was shot three times.”
Panicked, Francisco hit the gas and tried to escape. That’s when agents opened fire. Shots rang out as the family fled the scene. He later called the local police, telling them “masked men” had shot at his vehicle.
His son-in-law, who gave his name as Martin, said, “It’s just upsetting that it happened to us. I am glad my brother is okay, Pop is okay, but it’s just not cool that [immigration enforcement officials are] able to do something like that.”
The Department of Homeland Security later claimed the agents acted in self-defense. A spokesperson said Francisco “struck two CBP officers with his vehicle,” forcing an officer “to discharge his firearm in self-defense.”
But Francisco disputes that version of events, saying the agents refused to identify themselves and had no warrants.
Later that day, the same agents surrounded the family’s home and demanded Francisco come out. He refused. They left without making an arrest because they had no warrant.
The Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice is now stepping in to support the family. On Instagram, the group said it was “mobilizing to provide legal support.”
This incident is sparking fresh anger and fear in immigrant communities already wary of unchecked federal power—and raising urgent questions about accountability and abuse.
Watch the report below from NBC News:
