SCSO assists ICE at Rio Rancho Walmart parking lot, video shows arrest

RIO RANCHO — The Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office confirmed June 6 that United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement made arrests in the Walmart parking lot off of Unser and Southern boulevards June 5.

Lt. John Castaneda stated SCSO was asked to assist as backup in the ICE arrests in a Homeland Security Investigations case.

“HSI conducted this operation and called Sandoval County’s Sheriff’s Office for backup. Two deputies were dispatched,” he said.

Sandoval County Manager Wayne Johnson said it is the sheriff office’s policy to provide backup when requested, which they would do for any agency, including ICE.

Residents noticed the ICE agents while on shopping trips at the Walmart and took to social media with video and photo of the incident. One video shows a handcuffed man being taken into custody by an agent.

ICE and HSI have not responded to request for comment.