Nancy Martinez, a longtime New Haven resident, is suing the federal government on behalf of herself and her children for what she alleges was an intentionally distressing arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, involving assault and recklessness, last year — events that continue to cause severe emotional distress for her and her children.

Local Impact

According to the legal complaint, Martinez spent 15 years living in New Haven before she was detained in front of her 8-year-old son and 13-year-old daughter on June 9, 2025, as Martinez was taking them to school. On that day, masked and armed ICE agents in unmarked vehicles surrounded Martinez and her children and told Martinez they were “with the police.” Martinez was taken from her still-running vehicle and handcuffed, and no warrant was shown, according to the complaint.

As officers left with Martinez and her children wept on the sidewalk, agents “did not confirm whether the children had a caretaker, as required by law, after taking their mother away.” The events took less than four minutes. Martinez’s daughter, Monse, also spoke to reporters, saying, “They took away my best friend, my confidant and hard-working provider and parent, and my safe place.”

Response from Officials

Sen. Richard Blumenthal spoke on behalf of the Martinez family and said that ICE agents were in the wrong. “Words are fine, but action is necessary,” Blumenthal said. “All of us have an obligation to recognize that we must act to make our federal government follow the law and vindicate the rights of Nancy Martinez and others who have been harmed so grievously.”

Original reporting: The Connecticut Mirror — read the source article.