A woman whose teenage son was detained by federal agents at gunpoint in a case of mistaken identity earlier this month is taking legal action against the federal government, she announced on Tuesday.
Andreina Mejia was joined by her attorneys in a press conference to announce a legal claim against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security; it states her 15-year-old son’s civil rights were violated. Mejia’s son, who was identified by his initials BG, has special needs.
“No kids should go through what my son has gone through, especially since he says he has nightmares,” the mother said.
The boy was detained by armed agents on Aug. 11 in front of Arleta High School. BG and his mother were in a parked car outside the school while Mejia’s daughter was enrolling. Suddenly, a group of masked men approached the vehicle and targeted the teenager.
“They handcuffed me and they were just telling me who this person is and I said, ‘No, I don’t know who that person is,’” BG said.
According to Mejia and her son, the agents repeatedly asked the teen about a person they were searching for. After realizing they had the wrong person in custody, the agents removed the handcuffs from the boy and let them go.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Department of Homeland Security described the legal action as a “case study of billboard law firms trying to turn family resemblance into racial animus to collect clicks, clout, and cash.”
“Allegations that Border Patrol targeted Arleta High School are FALSE,” the statement read. “Agents were conducting a targeted operation on criminal illegal alien Cristian Alexander Vasquez-Alvarenga—a Salvadoran national and suspected MS-13 pledge with prior criminal convictions in the broader vicinity of Arleta. Thanks to the help of family members who worked with Border Patrol, this suspected MS-13 gang member with a previous gun-related conviction is no longer on the streets of LA.”
The 15-year-old with special needs was briefly detained by federal agents in the case of mistaken identity. Lolita Lopez reports for the NBC4 News at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025.
Michael Carrillo, an attorney representing the family, disputed DHS’s statement.
“The statement that was put out by the DHS that somehow our client’s family assisted with the apprehension of a related MS-13 gang member — that is untrue,” he said. “That is incorrect and that is false.”
The Los Angeles Unified School District issued a statement Tuesday following the announcement of the family’s legal claim.
“Please note that the district has been working closely with city leaders and municipal partners, and we have strengthened safety measures at and around our schools,” the statement read in part. “This includes enhanced communication with various entities, visible presence in impacted communities, and rapid-response protocols should enforcement activity occur.”
According to Carrillo, the federal government has half a year to respond to his client’s claim.
“If they do not respond to our claims, then we move on to a federal civil rights lawsuit,” he said.
Allison Craig is a passionate sports writer and analyst with a deep love for game strategies, player performances, and the latest trends in the sports world. With years of experience covering football, basketball, tennis, and more, she delivers insightful analysis and engaging content for sports enthusiasts.
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