LAS VEGAS — Nevada elected officials sharply criticized federal immigration agents Thursday after a confrontation at Harry Reid International Airport involving an elderly man who tried to walk away while in custody, an encounter that produced video circulating on social media and prompted demands for immediate answers.
What happened at the airport
The disturbance occurred at the Las Vegas international gateway when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents attempted to detain a 57-year-old man identified in follow-up reports as Phu Nguyen. Video of the encounter shows the man attempting to move away from the agents, touching off a physical altercation that witnesses described as chaotic.
The following day, federal authorities arrested the man at another airport, according to the reporting. Local and state leaders raised alarms about the tactics used by ICE agents on site — including the apparent lack of visible identification and body-worn cameras.
Responses from Nevada officials
U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto said she had viewed the video and found the episode “deeply disturbing, and frankly confusing,” calling for clarifying information from federal authorities.
“The ICE agents' conduct is completely unprofessional and unacceptable for any law enforcement officer, and I have demanded immediate answers.”
Sen. Jacky Rosen criticized the appearance and behavior of the agents, noting they were in plain clothes and asserting the encounter lacked transparency. She warned that such actions can instill fear in communities and harm Nevada’s tourism-reliant economy.
Attorney General Aaron Ford released a forceful statement as well, describing the conduct he viewed as excessive and calling it an "unacceptable threat to the safety of Nevadans." In his statement he also criticized the state’s response from the governor.
Key issues raised
- Accountability and oversight: Officials demanded explanations about why agents appeared not to wear standard identification or body cameras.
- Public safety and civil liberties: The physical detention of an older man at a busy airport raised concerns about treatment of vulnerable people.
- Economic implications: Leaders warned that visible confrontations at tourist gateways could affect visitor perceptions of safety.
Officials' statements at a glance
| Official | Summary of response |
|---|---|
| Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto | Called the incident "deeply disturbing" and demanded answers after viewing video. |
| Sen. Jacky Rosen | Condemned lack of visible accountability; criticized plain clothes, no body cameras, no identification. |
| Attorney General Aaron Ford | Described the conduct as a disgrace to law enforcement and an unacceptable threat to Nevadans' safety. |
News Block has contacted the governor’s office for comment and, as of this story’s publication, had not received a response. Federal authorities have not released a full public account of the events at Harry Reid International Airport.
For Nevada residents concerned about rights and enforcement at airports: travelers encountering federal agents should document the interaction if safely possible, note badge numbers or other identifiers, and consult legal counsel when appropriate. Local civil-rights organizations often provide guidance and may assist with complaints to oversight bodies.
As this situation develops, Nevada’s leaders say they will continue to press for information on policies guiding ICE conduct in public spaces and how those policies were applied in this case.
