PROVIDENCE, R.I. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested a man in Providence over the weekend who they say is a “self-admitted” member of the violent MS-13 gang. But the operation has sparked outrage after video surfaced showing local police at the scene.
ICE says 27-year-old Ivan Rene Mendoza Meza, a Honduran national, was arrested Sunday on Alverson Street. According to ICE, Mendoza is a “self-admitted “known” member of MS-13 who has committed crimes for the gang and previously entered the U.S. illegally.
The arrest quickly went viral after a video showed Providence police officers near ICE agents during the takedown. That raised concerns in the community and led to questions about whether local officers were working with federal immigration authorities.
Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez says they were not involved in the arrest. He says officers were called after ICE agents, in an unmarked vehicle, crashed during the pursuit. Perez says police only stayed to ensure public safety and maintain order.
But the incident has triggered political fallout. Ten members of the Providence City Council are now calling for an investigation by the city’s civilian oversight board.
State Rep. Enrique Sanchez also spoke out, slamming ICE on social media and accusing them of acting like the “Nazi Gestapo” and “thugs.” He claims agents damaged residents’ vehicles and created chaos in the neighborhood.
Court records show Mendoza was previously arrested in 2023 on fentanyl-related charges, plus conspiracy. He was held without bail, but released days later on a $50,000 bond, despite a detainer request from ICE.
Officials say because Rhode Island does not honor ICE detainers without a court order, agents had to arrest Mendoza at large in the community.
ContributorJuly 15, 20251 Mins read115 
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