A man seen being brutally beaten in a viral video while wearing what appeared to be a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) vest is not connected to the agency, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has clarified.
The incident, which took place in Honolulu’s Waikiki neighbourhood on Saturday night, gained widespread attention after footage circulated on social media.
The video shows a man wearing a tactical vest marked “ICE” confronting a small group before liquid is thrown at him. Moments later, three individuals drag him to the ground and repeatedly punch and kick him.
Man in ICE uniform attacked during No Kings event.— DramaAlert (@DramaAlert) March 30, 2026
The attack continues even after the man appears to go limp, with one attacker striking his face while others restrain him. He is later seen getting up and stumbling away with visible injuries.
DHS denies any link to agency
Responding to the viral clip, a DHS spokesperson said in an emailed statement to Fox News Digital that the individual was “NOT an ICE agent and is not connected to DHS in any way.””
Officials warned that impersonating federal officers is a serious offence, adding that anyone found posing as an immigration agent would face prosecution. They also noted that such actions can endanger public safety and undermine trust in law enforcement.
The Honolulu Police Department said a 15-year-old boy has been charged with attempted assault in connection with the incident.
Police confirmed the victim is a 52-year-old man, though identities have not been disclosed. Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing and declined to share further details.
The incident took place the same day “No Kings” protests against US President Donald Trump were held across the country, including in Honolulu, though the demonstration there occurred several miles away from the attack site.
Over the weekend, a separate “No Kings” protest in Los Angeles also drew attention after a protester was seen spray-painting a federal building with the message, “Kill your local ICE agent,” highlighting rising tensions around immigration enforcement.
