A Colombian woman walking her dog on a public beach in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, on July 12 was arrested for violating local ordinances. The situation escalated when authorities checked her immigration status and threatened her with deportation, contacting U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE).
Angie Vanesa Sandoval was apprehended by local officers for being in a restricted area with her pet. Bodycam footage captured the officer stating, “I would prefer to arrest drug traffickers, but I have no choice.” The officer then informed Sandoval, “ICE said she has to be deported, so you have to come with me.”
ICE agents confirmed that Sandoval’s irregular immigration status necessitated deportation, aligning with policies enacted during the Donald Trump administration.
WATCH: Deputy detains illegal immigrant walking dog on Florida beach
“She’s under arrest for a dog on the beach.”
“ICE said she has to be deported.”
“I would much rather go put drug dealers in jail.”
“I have no choice.” pic.twitter.com/cMHcuQ6dJJ
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) July 20, 2025
During the encounter, Sandoval, accompanied by a man, inquired about her arrest and offered no resistance. The couple pleaded with the officer, attributing the situation to a mistake and mentioning their daughters.
The footage shows Sandoval appearing visibly scared as she awaited ICE agents. However, she was later released after posting a $1,000 bond.
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood defended the local police’s actions, stating, “We only enforce the law. It’s not about being good or bad.” He also commented on the challenges officers face with shifting immigration policies, noting, “Every four years everything changes, and we are trapped in the middle trying to apply the law in a coherent way.”
Between June 1 and July 18 of the same year, 17 arrests were made on the same beach for the same infraction, according to reports from a local Florida television channel.
