Christian Cerna, a 28-year-old US citizen and carpenter, was driving with his partner and two young children through Los Angeles on June 11, 2025, when two vehicles rammed his car. Armed men in masks jumped out and pointed guns at them. Cerna soon realized they were Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
Background of the Arrest
ICE targeted Cerna after a border agent accused him of assault during an anti-ICE protest days earlier. Officers used flash-bang grenades and assault rifles, with his infant and toddler inside the car. Court records show agents filmed the operation and posted it on social media.
A federal judge later described the arrest as part of ICE's "vindictive effort" to impose "extrajudicial punishment." Cerna said, "It was like they were trying to make a movie ... to prove a point – if you say anything against what we're doing, there will be consequences."
Childhood Shaped by Deportation
Cerna's decision to protest stemmed from personal trauma. His father was deported by ICE when Cerna was 12, leading to family hardship and his withdrawal from school. "I hated ICE, because they ruined everything," he recalled.
On June 7, 2025, a neighbor told Cerna that ICE was at a local Home Depot. He drove there, recalling his childhood powerlessness. "I'm a grown man now. I have a voice. If I see something, I'm going to say something," he said.
The Protest: 'Like a Combat Zone'
Tensions were high in LA as ICE conducted high-profile raids. At the protest, Cerna shouted at border patrol agents and livestreamed, making heated comments. A scuffle occurred when an agent lunged at Cerna; Cerna swung his hand but did not make contact, according to his lawyers. Officers fired pepper balls and tear gas, hitting Cerna in the face.
Border patrol leader Gregory Bovino was heard on body-camera footage rallying officers: "This is our fucking city! Arrest as many people that touch you as you want."
The Arrest: 'I Have Kids!'
On June 11, Cerna and his family were driving to visit relatives. ICE agents followed them using a drone and four vehicles. After Cerna exited the highway, two unmarked vehicles crashed into his car. Officers fired flash-bangs and pointed assault rifles. Cerna exited to draw guns away from his children, shouting "I have kids!" An officer replied, "Shut the fuck up and listen!"
Agent Mejorado, the alleged assault victim, was present despite not being part of the arrest team. Cerna was questioned without being read his Miranda rights. DHS later posted arrest footage on social media, claiming Cerna was a "violent rioter."
Aftermath and Court Case
Cerna was charged with felony assault but pleaded guilty to simple assault, a misdemeanor. At sentencing, Judge Cynthia Valenzuela criticized ICE's tactics, noting the arrest was "vindictive" and endangered the family. She sentenced Cerna to one year of probation.
The family suffered PTSD, with Cerna's son experiencing nightmares. Cerna said, "They were trying to incite fear into people and make an example out of me."
