Was ICE’s use of force in arresting Marco Antonio Roblero Pérez justified?
ICE says a Taser was used to stop Marco Antonio Roblero Pérez from running toward traffic. His family alleges additional force after he fell, and Guatemala’s government has requested clarification and accountability.
BackgroundWhen can federal immigration agents use deadly force?
Claim in dispute
After Roblero Pérez fell, ICE officers piled onto him and struck his head and face.
Case period:
Published by The Dispute Index editorial teamPublished Updated
Overview
This case classifies responses to the force used by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers during Marco Antonio Roblero Pérez’s July 18, 2026 arrest in Doraville, Georgia. It includes both the acknowledged Taser deployment during his flight and the family’s allegation that officers used additional physical force after he fell. It does not treat Roblero Pérez’s immigration status, detention conditions or removal case as the conduct being classified.
Accounts agree on several basic points. Roblero Pérez, a 25-year-old Guatemalan man, was approached during an ICE operation, attempted to flee and was struck with a Taser. He fell and was taken for medical treatment before being transferred to immigration detention. Univision’s July 21 report (opens in a new tab) says his family described a face-first fall and reported a fractured nose, damaged teeth and other injuries.
The accounts diverge over what happened after the fall and why the force was used. Jennifer Pérez told Emisoras Unidas (opens in a new tab) that officers got on top of Roblero Pérez, struck his face and used a Taser. In a later NBC News report published by Noticias Telemundo (opens in a new tab), his wife, identified by the pseudonym Glendy, said officers piled onto him and struck his head before he lost consciousness. NBC News reported reviewing hospital video showing blood on his face, a neck brace and difficulty speaking, but that footage did not establish how each injury occurred.
DHS said Roblero Pérez ignored officers’ commands, ran, put a hand toward a pocket and continued toward a busy highway after being ordered to show his hands and stop. The department said officers used the Taser to prevent him from entering traffic and that he was taken to a hospital after requesting medical attention. The same NBC News report says DHS did not answer questions about the family’s allegation that officers piled onto and struck him after the Taser deployment. DHS’s explanation therefore supports the Taser decision only; it should not be treated as a defense of the alleged post-fall strikes.
On July 24, the Government of Guatemala (opens in a new tab) named Roblero Pérez in a statement expressing concern about reportedly excessive and unjustified force in some U.S. immigration operations and asking authorities to clarify the Doraville incident and determine responsibility under law.
The available public record does not resolve whether officers struck Roblero Pérez after he fell, whether any post-fall force was necessary, or which mechanism caused each facial injury. We could not locate body-camera footage, an agency incident report, a use-of-force review or medical records for this arrest. Those uncertainties remain central to the dispute.
Timeline
5 timeline entries on this page. Dates: July 18, 2026 to July 30, 2026
July 2026
5 events
ICE arrests Roblero Pérez in Doraville
Incident
ICE officers arrested Marco Antonio Roblero Pérez after he fled during an operation in Doraville, Georgia. Officers used a Taser; he fell, sustained serious facial and dental injuries and was taken for medical treatment.
[01]Un joven guatemalteco termina con severas fracturas y dientes rotos tras violento arresto de ICE en Atlanta
Early report based primarily on interviews with Roblero Pérez’s relatives. It reports that the family attributed his facial injuries to a face-first fall after the Taser deployment; it does not resolve whether officers also struck him after the fall.
Un joven guatemalteco termina con severas fracturas y dientes rotos tras violento arresto de ICE en AtlantaHeadline and sections describing the arrest, family account, facial injuries, hospital visit and transfer to immigration detention[02]Dientes rotos, nariz fracturada: el sangriento arresto de ICE a un inmigrante guatemalteco en Georgia
Source excerpt
“Debido a que el extranjero se rehusó a obedecer, los oficiales usaron su Taser”.
Detailed follow-up based on interviews with Roblero Pérez’s wife and cousins, video reviewed by NBC News and a written DHS statement. DHS explained the flight and Taser deployment but did not answer the outlet’s questions about alleged post-fall strikes.
Dientes rotos, nariz fracturada: el sangriento arresto de ICE a un inmigrante guatemalteco en Georgia · NBC NewsFamily account at paragraphs 1–8; DHS statement at paragraphs 14–16; relatives’ video and detention account at paragraphs 17–22Family allegations and initial agency explanation are reported
Source release
Univision and Emisoras Unidas reported the family’s account of Roblero Pérez’s injuries and alleged force after he fell, alongside an attributed DHS explanation that the Taser was used to stop him from entering traffic.
[03]Piden ayuda para guatemalteco herido por agentes del ICE
Source excerpt
“Cayó al suelo y se subieron encima de él. Le golpearon la cara y también lo electrocutaron”.
Spanish-language report summarizing the family’s allegations and an attributed DHS response. The article does not independently establish what force was used after Roblero Pérez fell or what caused each injury.
Piden ayuda para guatemalteco herido por agentes del ICEParagraphs 1–8 under the headline, including Jennifer Pérez’s account, the reported DHS response and the family fundraiser statement[01]Un joven guatemalteco termina con severas fracturas y dientes rotos tras violento arresto de ICE en Atlanta
Early report based primarily on interviews with Roblero Pérez’s relatives. It reports that the family attributed his facial injuries to a face-first fall after the Taser deployment; it does not resolve whether officers also struck him after the fall.
Un joven guatemalteco termina con severas fracturas y dientes rotos tras violento arresto de ICE en AtlantaHeadline and sections describing the arrest, family account, facial injuries, hospital visit and transfer to immigration detentionRoblero Pérez describes his injuries in a Telemundo report
Source release
Noticias Telemundo published a video report in which Roblero Pérez, speaking from an Atlanta hospital, said his arms and neck hurt and he could hardly breathe. His cousin Jennifer Pérez questioned whether he was receiving adequate medical care, and the report summarized the DHS statement that officers used a Taser after he ran toward a busy highway.
[04]Inmigrante guatemalteco denuncia lesiones tras operativo de ICE en Georgia; familia exige respuestas
Source excerpt
Marco Antonio Roblero, de 25 años, relató desde un hospital de Atlanta los golpes y heridas que sufrió tras su detención.
Noticias Telemundo video report (1 minute 44 seconds) in Spanish. Roblero Pérez, speaking from an Atlanta hospital, says his arms and neck hurt and he can hardly breathe. His cousin Jennifer Pérez questions whether he is getting adequate medical care, and the report summarizes the DHS statement on the Taser.
Inmigrante guatemalteco denuncia lesiones tras operativo de ICE en Georgia; familia exige respuestasVideo report, 0:00-1:43; Roblero Pérez speaks at about 0:15-0:24Guatemala requests clarification and accountability
Reaction
Guatemala’s government named Roblero Pérez in an official statement criticizing reportedly excessive and unjustified force in some U.S. immigration operations and asking that the Doraville incident be clarified under law.
[05]Guatemala expresa su preocupación por el uso desmedido de la fuerza en los operativos de control migratorio en EE. UU.
Source excerpt
“expresa su preocupación por el uso desmedido e injustificado de la fuerza en algunos de los operativos de control migratorio”
Official statement that names Marco Antonio Roblero Pérez as a recent example, criticizes reported force in some U.S. immigration operations and requests clarification and legal accountability. It is a diplomatic position, not an adjudicated factual finding.
Guatemala expresa su preocupación por el uso desmedido de la fuerza en los operativos de control migratorio en EE. UU. · Government of GuatemalaComplete official statement dated July 24, 2026NBC News publishes detailed family and DHS accounts
Source release
NBC News reported Glendy’s allegation of post-fall strikes, video showing Roblero Pérez’s condition and DHS’s written rationale for the Taser. The report said DHS did not answer questions about the alleged post-fall force.
[02]Dientes rotos, nariz fracturada: el sangriento arresto de ICE a un inmigrante guatemalteco en Georgia
Source excerpt
“Debido a que el extranjero se rehusó a obedecer, los oficiales usaron su Taser”.
Detailed follow-up based on interviews with Roblero Pérez’s wife and cousins, video reviewed by NBC News and a written DHS statement. DHS explained the flight and Taser deployment but did not answer the outlet’s questions about alleged post-fall strikes.
Dientes rotos, nariz fracturada: el sangriento arresto de ICE a un inmigrante guatemalteco en Georgia · NBC NewsFamily account at paragraphs 1–8; DHS statement at paragraphs 14–16; relatives’ video and detention account at paragraphs 17–22
Claims
Claims separate what was said from what is contested. Follow each source for the original wording and context.
What's disputed
Disputed claim
After Roblero Pérez fell, ICE officers piled onto him and struck his head and face.
Sources (1)
- Dientes rotos, nariz fracturada: el sangriento arresto de ICE a un inmigrante guatemalteco en Georgia · NBC NewsFamily account at paragraphs 1–8; DHS statement at paragraphs 14–16; relatives’ video and detention account at paragraphs 17–22
Disputed claim
ICE officers used a Taser because Roblero Pérez refused commands and ran toward traffic.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Sources (1)
- Dientes rotos, nariz fracturada: el sangriento arresto de ICE a un inmigrante guatemalteco en Georgia · NBC NewsFamily account at paragraphs 1–8; DHS statement at paragraphs 14–16; relatives’ video and detention account at paragraphs 17–22
Response record
Responses
Latest recorded positions: 3. Dates: July 24, 2026 to July 30, 2026
Choose one response filter, or select All responses to see the full record.
1 response on this page
U.S. Department of Homeland SecurityFederal executive department overseeing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement"Because the foreigner refused to obey, the officers used their Taser to stop him from running toward where there was vehicle traffic. (Translated from Spanish. Original: Debido a que el extranjero se rehusó a obedecer, los oficiales usaron su Taser para detenerlo de que corriera hacia donde había tráfico vehicular”.)"
Defended or excusedResponding to: ICE officers used a Taser because Roblero Pérez refused commands and ran toward traffic.
Read more
DHS said officers used a Taser after Roblero Pérez refused commands and ran toward a busy highway.
Before the statement
DHS said Roblero Pérez ignored commands, fled, moved a hand toward a pocket and continued toward a busy highway after being told to stop and show his hands.
After the statement
DHS said he requested medical care and was taken to a hospital. NBC News reported that the department did not answer questions about alleged post-fall strikes or detention medical care.
Dientes rotos, nariz fracturada: el sangriento arresto de ICE a un inmigrante guatemalteco en Georgia · NBC NewsFamily account at paragraphs 1–8; DHS statement at paragraphs 14–16; relatives’ video and detention account at paragraphs 17–22Why this label?
DHS gives a safety and noncompliance rationale for ICE’s Taser deployment, directly defending that part of the force under review. The classification does not extend to the family’s allegation of post-fall strikes, which DHS did not address in the cited report.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Sources
(5)
Reporting
Dientes rotos, nariz fracturada: el sangriento arresto de ICE a un inmigrante guatemalteco en Georgia
Relevant passage: Family account at paragraphs 1–8; DHS statement at paragraphs 14–16; relatives’ video and detention account at paragraphs 17–22
Excerpt
"“Debido a que el extranjero se rehusó a obedecer, los oficiales usaron su Taser”."
About this source
Detailed follow-up based on interviews with Roblero Pérez’s wife and cousins, video reviewed by NBC News and a written DHS statement. DHS explained the flight and Taser deployment but did not answer the outlet’s questions about alleged post-fall strikes.
- Author
- Daniella Silva — NBC News
- Published
- Accessed
Original video
Inmigrante guatemalteco denuncia lesiones tras operativo de ICE en Georgia; familia exige respuestas
Relevant passage: Video report, 0:00-1:43; Roblero Pérez speaks at about 0:15-0:24
Excerpt
"Marco Antonio Roblero, de 25 años, relató desde un hospital de Atlanta los golpes y heridas que sufrió tras su detención."
About this source
Noticias Telemundo video report (1 minute 44 seconds) in Spanish. Roblero Pérez, speaking from an Atlanta hospital, says his arms and neck hurt and he can hardly breathe. His cousin Jennifer Pérez questions whether he is getting adequate medical care, and the report summarizes the DHS statement on the Taser.
- Author
- Noticias Telemundo
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Guatemala expresa su preocupación por el uso desmedido de la fuerza en los operativos de control migratorio en EE. UU.
Relevant passage: Complete official statement dated July 24, 2026
Excerpt
"“expresa su preocupación por el uso desmedido e injustificado de la fuerza en algunos de los operativos de control migratorio”"
About this source
Official statement that names Marco Antonio Roblero Pérez as a recent example, criticizes reported force in some U.S. immigration operations and requests clarification and legal accountability. It is a diplomatic position, not an adjudicated factual finding.
- Author
- Government of Guatemala — Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Un joven guatemalteco termina con severas fracturas y dientes rotos tras violento arresto de ICE en Atlanta
Relevant passage: Headline and sections describing the arrest, family account, facial injuries, hospital visit and transfer to immigration detention
About this source
Early report based primarily on interviews with Roblero Pérez’s relatives. It reports that the family attributed his facial injuries to a face-first fall after the Taser deployment; it does not resolve whether officers also struck him after the fall.
- Author
- N+ Univision
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Piden ayuda para guatemalteco herido por agentes del ICE
Relevant passage: Paragraphs 1–8 under the headline, including Jennifer Pérez’s account, the reported DHS response and the family fundraiser statement
Excerpt
"“Cayó al suelo y se subieron encima de él. Le golpearon la cara y también lo electrocutaron”."
About this source
Spanish-language report summarizing the family’s allegations and an attributed DHS response. The article does not independently establish what force was used after Roblero Pérez fell or what caused each injury.
- Author
- Emisoras Unidas
- Published
- Accessed
Cite this record
- Publisher
- The Dispute Index
- Title
- Was ICE’s use of force in arresting Marco Antonio Roblero Pérez justified?
- First published
- Last updated
- Permalink
- https://disputeindex.com/cases/ice-use-of-force-arrest-marco-antonio-roblero-perez
The Dispute Index. "Was ICE’s use of force in arresting Marco Antonio Roblero Pérez justified?". First published: 2026-07-31. Last updated: 2026-10-06. https://disputeindex.com/cases/ice-use-of-force-arrest-marco-antonio-roblero-perez