The Fullerton Police Department addressed community concerns regarding federal immigration enforcement involvement during an incident on January 22, 2026. At approximately 6:44 am, the police dispatch received a call from a resident on S. Highland, reporting police activity after witnessing a suspect fleeing on foot, armed with a handgun, in her apartment complex.

According to police reports, officers were initially unaware that a police pursuit had occurred. Upon arrival, they discovered that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were attempting to stop a vehicle connected to an individual wanted for immigration violations. The suspect fled the scene on foot, prompting a response from local officers.

During the pursuit, an uninvolved bystander, who was walking his dog in the area, alerted officers that he had seen a Hispanic male in a grey sweatshirt running while armed with a handgun. (Community members countered that senario saying that the “uninvolved bystander” was actually a young man in a grey hoodie who was walking his dog who was stopped and harrassed and had no weapon of any sort and saw no man with a handgun.)

“Public safety is our main concern,” said Fullerton Police Chief Jon Radus. “While we were unaware it was an ICE operation, we assisted in establishing a perimeter for the federal agents to conduct their search.”

As the situation unfolded, additional ICE agents arrived, taking over the search efforts. Fullerton officers remained on-site, towing the suspect’s abandoned vehicle, which was obstructing traffic on a city street.

Chief Radus emphasized the importance of clear communication with the community. “I have been informed that residents believe the Fullerton Police Department opened gates for ICE agents. This is not accurate; the ICE agents cut locks to gain access to the area,” he clarified. Security concerns spread to local schools, leading the Community Services Supervisor, who oversees school resource officers, to speak with district officials.

Fullerton School District Deputy Superintendent Chad Hammitt said he was called by Fullerton Police at 7:45am and told that there was “a suspect being pursued by ICE and that FPD was holding a perimeter of the area. At no time were we told that there was an armed suspect,” said Supt Hammitt who also noted that the usual police practices in event of an armed gunman were not followed. Hammitt informed Woodcrest School at 7:55am, protocals were put in place, and at 8:37 parents were informed that ICE was in the neighborhood. Superintendent Hammitt also noted that the correct protocals were being used by police on Friday Jan 23 when Golden Hill was put on lockdown and Maple School was told to shelter in place after the district was informed that armed robbery suspects were on the loose around the Lemon & Orangethorpe to Malvern & Euclid areas.

Addressing community fears regarding ICE’s presence, Chief Radus stated, “I recognize the concerns and anxieties ICE brings to our neighborhoods. The Fullerton Police Department has worked diligently to build trust within our immigrant community. It is our hope that this investment assures residents that we are a resource they can depend on for safety, as we are not involved in immigration enforcement.”

He added, “Incidents like this put local police in a challenging position. While we value our immigrant community, we also carry the responsibility to ensure the safety of all residents and our law enforcement partners. I commend our officers for their professionalism and sound judgment in a complex situation.”

The Fullerton Police Department continues to prioritize public safety while striving to maintain trust within the community.