A father in Washington state was left severely injured after US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents allegedly deceived him into leaving his home and then set an attack dog on him, an incident witnessed by his terrified wife and young children.
Senator Murray's Blistering Condemnation
Democratic Senator Patty Murray has labelled the event on November 14 as one of the most disturbing examples of the Trump administration's escalating deportation methods. She detailed how her constituent, 28-year-old Wilmer Toledo-Martinez, was violently ambushed outside his home.
"An ICE agent lured Wilmer out of his home under false pretenses, posing as a construction worker who claimed to have hit Wilmer's car and needed him to step outside to verify," Murray stated. "Another agent, accompanied by a dog, was hiding nearby and released the dog on Wilmer shortly after he stepped outside."
A Horrific Scene in Front of Family
According to the senator, Toledo-Martinez was not resisting, fleeing, or posing any threat when the dog was deployed. The attack unfolded in full view of his wife and their two young children, aged two and three, who are all US citizens. The family could only watch helplessly as he was bitten, dragged, and taken into custody.
"The photos documenting his injuries are horrific," Murray said. "This should shock the conscience of every one of us. I do not want to live in an America where federal agents can sic attack dogs on peaceful residents with impunity."
After the mauling, Toledo-Martinez was reportedly disoriented and at one point lost his vision. He was denied medical attention for hours before eventually being taken to a hospital for stitches and antibiotics. Murray claims the prescribed medication was not provided promptly in detention.
Broader Pattern of Enforcement Under Scrutiny
Senator Murray emphasised that Toledo-Martinez has no criminal convictions, is married to a US citizen, and is the father of three American-born children. She is demanding his immediate release and warned his story is likely not unique, just unusually visible because he allowed her to speak publicly.
"There's no telling how many similar stories are not being told for fear of retaliation," she stated. "By now, everyone should realize Trump is not going after violent criminals or the worst of the worst - he is terrorising everyone, including US citizens, and their loved ones."
The Department of Homeland Security has not commented on the allegations. This incident follows other reported violent clashes linked to ICE operations in the Pacific Northwest and Arizona, where local Democrats have accused federal agents of escalating to violence against the public.
