Savrnoch declines further comment on the investigation into the ICE incident
John SavrnochSanta Barbara County district attorney
Savrnoch calls the reports troubling but declines further comment on the investigation.
“I will not comment on the investigation.”
Reporting
Where this statement fits
ICE detains a U.S.-citizen student with disabilities near Santa Maria High School; ICE says he resisted and disputes reports of broken bones
On October 21, 2026, ICE agents detained Erik Zepeda, a 20-year-old U.S. citizen and Santa Maria High School student with disabilities, as he walked to school, then released him. His former teacher says his wrist was broken in three places and needed surgery. ICE says agents believed he matched the description of their target, that he resisted and took a fighting stance, and that claims of broken bones are false. Rep. Salud Carbajal and Councilmember Gloria Soto call for an investigation.
Source and context
Reporting
About this source
Official statements.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Before the quotation
He says his office is gathering information.
After the quotation
Although no formal charging request has been received, he says ethics rules prohibit further comment.
How this statement is classified
The label describes this statement's response within the context above.
Why this label?
He expressly declines further investigation comment while addressing the incident.
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More from this case
Read the full caseCarbajal demands a transparent investigation and accountability
“The detention of a U.S. citizen that reportedly left him hospitalized and requiring surgery demands a full, transparent investigation and accountability for any misconduct.”Read statement
Bonta's office declines to confirm or deny an investigation
“we can’t comment on, even to confirm or deny, potential or ongoing investigations.”Read statement
Gloria Soto calls the detention brutality and asks for an independent investigation
“This kind of brutality is not okay. There needs to be an independent investigation into how a case of mistaken identity ended with a student hurt this badly.”Read statement
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The Dispute Index. "Savrnoch declines further comment on the investigation into the ICE incident". First published: 2026-11-03. Last updated: 2026-11-03. https://disputeindex.com/events/7954-savrnoch-calls-the-reports-troubling-but-declines-further