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Fact check: What happened to the us citizen arrested at home depot during an ice raid for slashing one of their tires

Checked on July 28, 2025

1. Summary of the results

Based on the available analyses, Jose Castillo, a US citizen, was arrested at a Home Depot in Sacramento during a Border Patrol operation [1] [2]. According to his wife Andrea Castillo, Jose was documenting the arrests when he was taken into custody [1]. The Border Patrol chief claimed Jose was arrested for impeding or assaulting a federal officer and for slashing a tire [1] [2]. Importantly, Jose Castillo has since been released [2].

The incident occurred during what appears to be part of broader immigration enforcement operations targeting day laborers who typically gather in Home Depot parking lots seeking work [3]. Multiple sources confirm this was a Border Patrol operation rather than specifically an ICE raid, though both agencies conduct immigration enforcement.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several important contextual elements are missing from the original question:

  • The incident occurred in Sacramento, California - a detail that provides important geographic context for understanding the broader immigration enforcement climate [1] [2]
  • This was part of broader immigration raids affecting businesses and workers across California, with operations occurring at multiple Home Depot locations and other work sites [4] [5]
  • Legal challenges are being mounted against these operations - a lawsuit has been filed against federal authorities claiming these raids violate constitutional protections and constitute "brazen, midday kidnappings" [5]
  • The economic impact perspective - these raids are taking a toll on American businesses and workers, particularly affecting the construction industry that relies on day laborers [6] [3]
  • Civil rights organizations are actively providing guidance on how individuals can protect themselves during such encounters with immigration authorities [7]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question contains some inaccuracies:

  • It refers to an "ICE raid" when sources indicate this was a Border Patrol operation [1] [2] - while both agencies conduct immigration enforcement, the distinction matters for accuracy
  • The framing suggests the tire slashing was the primary reason for arrest, when sources indicate the charges included both slashing a tire and "impeding or assaulting a federal officer" [1] [2]
  • The question implies the person may still be in custody, but sources confirm Jose Castillo has been released [2]

The question also lacks context about the broader pattern of immigration enforcement operations and the legal and economic controversies surrounding them, which could lead to an incomplete understanding of the incident's significance.

Want to dive deeper?
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What is the typical penalty for slashing a tire in the United States?