ICE Says 'Sorry' After Detaining US Citizens for Speaking Spanish: Report

A Puerto Rican family, including a toddler, was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Milwaukee after being overheard speaking Spanish; this incident is the latest in a surge of racial profiling concerns amid Trump's immigration crackdown.

The family, all U.S. citizens, were transported to a detention center before officials acknowledged their mistake and issued an apology.

The mother, grandmother, and young child had been shopping when authorities approached and detained them. They were not allowed to clarify their status until they were already in custody, according to Telemundo Puerto Rico.

"My sister, in English, explained that not only are they American citizens, but that they are from Puerto Rico. They were born in Puerto Rico," a family member told host Milly Méndez while remaining anonymous due to fears surrounding the situation.

Upon presenting official documents, the officials reportedly softened their stance. "I'm so sorry," one officer said, according to the family's account. Despite the apology, the family was allegedly left stranded and had to arrange their own transportation home.

Instagram users reacted to Méndez's post with frustration.

"At what store? Why didn't he give that information here? So you're shopping with a Birth Certificate on top of it?!... What is that!" One user questioned.

Another expressed disappointment in the political climate, commenting, "Thank you... What a shame that the people keep voting for colors and not values... it's going to get worse."

The situation gained traction after journalist Adrian Carrasquillo discussed the case on X, writing, "Another PUERTO RICAN family detained, a man tells Telemundo his sister, mother-in-law, & a child were taken by ICE in Milwaukee & driven to [a] facility where his sister explained that they're US CITIZENS. ICE response to this flagrant violation? 'Sorry.'"

Attorneys nationwide are now speaking out to educate immigrants and Black Indigenous People of Color about their rights when confronted by ICE, including the right to remain silent, the right to legal representation, and the ability to refuse entry without a warrant. They also advise keeping documents secure and on hand.