> At a Glance
> – 82-year-old Mexican snack vendor Francisco Bahena was handcuffed by Border Patrol in Santa Ana
> – Agents cuffed him even after he showed a valid work permit, city vending permit, and U Visa documentation
> – Fountain Valley police were called to cut off the cuffs when agents couldn’t remove them
> – Why it matters: Incident leaves elderly vendor bruised, traumatized, and afraid to return to work
An 82-year-old street vendor selling Mexican snacks in Santa Ana says Border Patrol agents slapped handcuffs on him Tuesday even after he showed proof he’s legally allowed to work here.
The Encounter
Francisco Bahena was on his usual corner at Edinger Avenue and Harbor Boulevard when federal agents approached. Despite presenting a work permit, a city vending permit, and a U Visa, he says they cuffed him anyway.
Bahena’s hands soon turned purple and numb. The agents tried to unlock the cuffs but failed.
Family and First Responders Step In
Bahena’s grandson dialed Fountain Valley police; an officer arrived and worked to free Bahena while firefighters stood by. Cellphone video shows the officer struggling with the left cuff as Bahena’s right hand bleeds.
Leticia Morales, Bahena’s daughter, says the bruises and fear run deep:
Leticia Morales said:
> “I’m feeling sad because it’s not fair.”
She adds her father hasn’t slept since the incident:
Leticia Morales added:
> “He’s scared. He doesn’t want to go back to the same place. It’s not the same.”
Official Responses
The Department of Homeland Security did not explain why the cuffs stayed on, only noting:
> “Due to the presence of a growing crowd and the individual declining to allow agents to relocate him to a safer area, local law enforcement was called to assist in releasing him.”
The Fountain Valley Police Department stressed it had no role in the Border Patrol operation; its officer simply helped remove the restraints.
Key Takeaways
- Bahena, 82, carries valid work and city permits yet was still handcuffed
- Agents couldn’t unlock the cuffs, forcing police intervention
- Photos show bruised, swollen hands; Bahena now fears returning to work
- DHS sidesteps cuffing issue, cites crowd concerns
- Family wants accountability and assurance elderly vendors can work without fear
As bruises fade, the emotional toll lingers for Bahena and other street vendors watching this case unfold.
