What looked like a dramatic, emotionally charged ICE arrest in Massachusetts turned out to be something else entirely: a staged scene, according to the Department of Homeland Security. The man seen convulsing in a viral video during an immigration enforcement stop? He faked a seizure, officials say—part of a desperate attempt to help his wife, a known criminal and illegal migrant, evade arrest.
Carlos Zapata Rivera, an illegal migrant from Ecuador, refused medical assistance after the incident and showed “absolutely zero” signs of a medical episode, DHS confirmed. “Imagine FAKING a seizure to help a criminal escape justice,” the department said in a statement that pulled no punches. “Emergency Medical Personnel on the scene found no legitimate medical episode.”
Let’s rewind.
The ICE operation targeted Juliana Milena Ojeda-Montoya, Rivera’s wife, who also entered the U.S. illegally from Ecuador. She wasn’t just another name on a list—she had already been arrested for stabbing a coworker with scissors and then assaulting her further with a trash can, according to DHS. The operation wasn’t random; it was a targeted enforcement action against a violent offender.
ICE agents approached the family vehicle with Ojeda-Montoya, Rivera, and their child inside. When officers informed Ojeda-Montoya of the arrest warrant, she resisted, refusing to hand her child over to Rivera. Then, in what appears to be a calculated distraction, Rivera began convulsing in the front seat.
But here’s the kicker: within moments, Rivera was caught on video standing upright and fully coherent. Medical personnel on the scene found no evidence of a seizure. He declined treatment. According to DHS, Rivera only agreed to take custody of the child—his own—after realizing that his refusal could lead to his own arrest for immigration violations.
“Once again, the media ran with a FALSE narrative about our brave ICE law enforcement officers,” said Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Medical personnel found there was no legitimate medical emergency. He was even caught on video on his feet and coherent moments later.”
Even more disturbing were the reports of behavior from anti-ICE agitators who surrounded the officers during the arrest. DHS reported they shouted violent threats and even launched anti-Semitic slurs, including “you look like a Jew” and “we’re going to kill you and your kids.”
Rivera and Ojeda-Montoya both entered the U.S. illegally in February 2023 and were released into the country by the Biden administration. Now, Ojeda-Montoya remains in ICE custody, awaiting deportation proceedings. Rivera, at least for now, is free, pending further action.
But facts matter. And in this case, the facts show a violent offender targeted in a lawful arrest, a failed attempt at deception, and a federal law enforcement team doing its job under increasing public hostility.
