Lead
An Australian man was filmed being pushed to the ground and handcuffed by plainclothes Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during an arrest attempt at Las Vegas airport, reigniting criticism of the agency's tactics.
Video posted to social media shows 57-year-old Phu Nguyen being tackled and handcuffed in terminal 3 at Harry Reid International Airport as he yelled for help. The incident has drawn widespread attention after the footage circulated online.
Coverage comparison
ABC Australia described the scene as a violent confrontation, reporting that Nguyen was pushed to the ground and handcuffed while shouting "let me go". The outlet noted that agents abandoned the arrest attempt after bystanders intervened.
Al Jazeera covered the same incident, framing it as a manhandling by plainclothes agents and highlighting renewed criticism of ICE's arrest tactics. Both outlets reported that the man was eventually taken into custody the following day in Los Angeles.
Key claims
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that ICE agents attempted to arrest Nguyen at Las Vegas airport. In a statement quoted by ABC Australia, the department said: "As officers attempted to arrest Nguyen, a crowd of anti-ICE agitators surrounded officers."
Nguyen was arrested the following day at Los Angeles International Airport before boarding a flight, according to multiple reports.
ABC Australia reported, citing the DHS statement, that Nguyen entered the US legally on a visa in May 2013 with permission to remain until May 2015. The department said that "Nguyen refused to depart in violation of our nation's laws" and that he would remain in ICE custody pending the outcome of removal proceedings.
Nguyen is being held at the Adelanto ICE Processing Centre in California, according to ABC Australia.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed to ABC Australia that it was making urgent enquiries following reports of an Australian citizen detained in the US and said it stood ready to provide consular assistance.
The footage, widely circulated on social media, shows Nguyen shouting as agents handcuff him, before a woman chased the officers away, ABC Australia reported.
Perspectives
US Department of Homeland Security: The department confirmed the attempted arrest and described Nguyen as a citizen of Australia, born in Vietnam, who had overstayed his visa. It said the arrest was disrupted by "anti-ICE agitators" and that Nguyen refused to depart in violation of US laws. The department said he would receive full due process.
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: A spokesperson said the department was making urgent enquiries and was ready to provide consular assistance to any Australian citizen.
The individual and bystanders: The footage shows Nguyen crying out "I don't know what they're doing" during the altercation, and a woman chasing the officers away after he was released from the initial tackle, as reported by ABC Australia.