Incident:2025-09-12 California Armed ICE Encounter and Arrest of José Campoyo
| Date | 2025-09-12 |
|---|---|
| Time | Unknown |
| City | Wilmington |
| County | Los Angeles County |
| State | California |
| Country | United States |
| Location details | Residential street in front of Campoyo residence |
| Facility | |
| Agencies involved | ICE |
| Operation type | Vehicle pursuit and armed enforcement |
| Status | Verified (media reporting & witness testimony) |
| People affected | José Campoyo; Campoyo family members |
| Arrests reported | 1 |
| Detentions reported | 1 |
| Deportations | Unknown |
| Injuries | Physical assault; threats of lethal force |
| Deaths | 0 |
| Agents at the scene | Phillips, Thomas |
| Vehicles at the scene | |
| Verification | Verified |
| Key sources |
Summary
On September 12, 2025, ICE agents pursued and arrested José Campoyo in Wilmington, California. According to media reporting and video evidence, an agent armed with a rifle pointed the firearm at Campoyo and his son during the encounter, physically kicked Campoyo, and restrained him. Footage and eyewitness testimony document threats of lethal force directed at both Campoyo and his son during the incident.
Full description
According to reviewed video footage and testimony provided by Campoyo’s son, ICE agents pursued Campoyo’s vehicle before the encounter reached his driveway in front of his residence. Campoyo was exiting his vehicle when ICE agent Thomas Phillips approached with a firearm already drawn. At no point during the encounter was Campoyo observed holding a weapon.
Footage reviewed by ICE List investigators shows Phillips pointing a rifle at Campoyo’s face while physically kicking him. When Campoyo’s son attempted to speak to Phillips and requested a badge number and warrant, the agent pointed the firearm at the son and threatened to shoot him, stating words to the effect of “I’m going to fucking shoot you.”
Use of force and threats
Video evidence shows Phillips maintaining his weapon in a firing-ready position throughout much of the encounter. The firearm was repeatedly aimed at both Campoyo and his son during verbal exchanges, despite neither posing an immediate threat.
Detention and restraint
Following the initial encounter, Campoyo was taken into custody and restrained. Campoyo’s son reported that Campoyo feared further physical assault and was coerced into signing documents while in detention. These statements are corroborated by eyewitness testimony and are consistent with previously reviewed video documentation.
Attempted interference with recording
In at least one video clip, Phillips is seen attempting to prevent recording by approaching a vehicle while holding a firearm. One vehicle window visible in the footage appears already damaged at the time of this interaction.
Aftermath
According to media reporting by *La Opinión*, ICE agents arrested Campoyo in front of his home following a vehicle pursuit. The article notes that family members were present and that the confrontation involved the use of a firearm by an ICE agent against both Campoyo and his son. As of this writing, no disciplinary action or criminal charges related to the conduct of Agent Phillips have been publicly announced.
Sources and documentation
- *La Opinión:* “Tras una persecución en auto, ICE arresta a inmigrante en la puerta de su casa en California” — Reporting on the armed encounter and arrest of José Campoyo, including firearm display by an ICE agent. [1](https://laopinion.com/2025/09/16/tras-una-persecucion-en-auto-ice-arresta-a-inmigrante-en-la-puerta-de-su-casa-en-california/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- Video footage reviewed and archived by ICE List investigators
- Eyewitness testimony from the son of José Campoyo