A Venezuelan man living illegally in the U.S. was tackled by federal agents after fleeing an attempted arrest at a New Hampshire courthouse.
Arnuel Marquez Colmenarez, 33, was on his way to court for charges including DUI, driving without a license, and leaving the scene of an accident, according to Nashua Police.
Video from Feb. 20 shows Colmenarez entering the courthouse, clearing security, and stepping into an elevator with agents and others.
As the elevator emptied, an agent tapped his shoulder and spoke to him. Seconds later, Colmenarez bolted.
Two agents chased and tackled him just outside the elevator. In the scuffle, they knocked down an elderly man walking with a cane.
Jared Neff, a court liaison officer, heard the commotion. "There were voices yelling ‘Stop!’ and then a loud ‘bang’ which sounded like people had fallen on the ground and were actively fighting and struggling," he said in a report.
Neff stepped in to help. Video shows Colmenarez resisting as agents tried to handcuff him.
The older man lay on his back during the arrest. It took about a minute before he received help. His condition is unknown.
Agents told Neff they were under orders to detain illegal immigrants quietly—hence the elevator move.
Colmenarez missed his arraignment. A bench warrant was issued, and the prosecutor hadn't been notified of his arrest, The AP reported.
As of Monday, Colmenarez is being held in an ICE facility in Texas, according to an online database.
The arrest happened after President Trump reversed a 2011 rule that discouraged courthouse arrests. Current policy allows immigration agents to act in or near courthouses if local law allows and credible information supports it.