Chaos Erupts in NH Courthouse as Federal Agents Confront Venezuelan Drunk Driver
A violent confrontation between federal agents and an intoxicated Venezuelan national turned a quiet New Hampshire courthouse into a scene of pandemonium Wednesday morning. The altercation, captured on eyewitness video, shows Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers struggling to detain the suspect while bystanders scrambled for safety—resulting in injuries to at least one elderly spectator.
Dramatic Arrest Unfolds in Public Space
According to Manchester Police Department reports, the incident began when 34-year-old Luis Mendoza—a Venezuelan citizen facing deportation proceedings—arrived at Hillsborough County Superior Court for a DUI hearing. As ICE moved to take him into custody, Mendoza allegedly resisted, triggering a physical struggle that overturned furniture and sent legal documents flying across the courtroom.
- Timeline: Events escalated rapidly between 9:15-9:22 AM
- Injuries: A 72-year-old woman sustained a fractured wrist during the melee
- Response: 6 additional law enforcement units dispatched as backup
“These situations become powder kegs when suspects realize they’re facing removal,” said former ICE field director Mark Reynolds. “Officers train for detainments in controlled environments—courthouses present unique challenges with civilians present.”
Video Evidence Reveals Chaotic Moments
Cellphone footage obtained by WMUR-TV shows at least four agents attempting to subdue Mendoza near a witness stand. The 43-second clip captures:
- Mendoza shouting in Spanish while clutching a courtroom railing
- A tactical officer deploying pepper spray as the crowd scatters
- Legal staff shielding children from the confrontation
Federal data reveals such incidents have risen 17% since 2021, correlating with increased immigration enforcement at sensitive locations. The Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC) at Syracuse University reports New Hampshire saw 83 courthouse arrests last year—a 22% jump from 2022.
Dueling Perspectives on Enforcement Tactics
While law enforcement defends the operation as necessary, immigrant advocates condemn the timing and location. “Courthouses should be sanctuaries for due process,” argued ACLU-NH legal director Gilles Bissonnette. “This heavy-handed approach deters others from appearing for legitimate hearings.”
However, Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Carla Nevarez countered: “Individuals with final removal orders must be apprehended wherever encountered. All protocols were followed to minimize public risk.”
Court records indicate Mendoza had two prior DUI convictions and an outstanding deportation order from 2020. His public defender claims he fled Venezuela’s political crisis in 2018 and feared returning.
Aftermath and Ongoing Investigations
The courthouse remained closed for three hours as authorities processed the scene. Manchester EMS treated five individuals for minor injuries, while Mendoza received medical clearance before transfer to a detention facility.
Key developments since the incident:
- Judicial branch reviewing security protocols for immigration arrests
- State legislators proposing bill to limit non-judicial enforcement in courthouses
- ICE confirming Mendoza will face additional obstruction charges
Security expert Dr. Ellen Parkhurst notes the event highlights systemic tensions: “This exemplifies the collision between immigration enforcement priorities and public safety considerations in shared spaces.”
Broader Implications for Courthouse Safety
The incident renews debate about balancing courtroom accessibility with enforcement needs. National Center for State Courts data shows:
- 68% of courthouses lack dedicated security for federal arrest scenarios
- Only 12 states have policies coordinating local-federal enforcement actions
- Workplace violence training rarely covers immigration-related incidents
As Mendoza’s case proceeds through federal channels, community organizations plan vigils while law enforcement groups prepare additional training modules. The injured bystander has retained counsel, signaling potential civil action.
For those affected by similar situations, the American Immigration Lawyers Association maintains a 24/7 emergency hotline (1-800-954-0254) offering legal guidance and support services.
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