LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department says Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents attempted to detain a man seen in a viral video at Harry Reid International Airport before walking away from the arrest.
You can watch that video here.
The video, which has circulated widely on social media, appears to show an elderly Asian man being restrained and handcuffed by two individuals while bystanders question what is happening. At one point, a TSA employee is heard telling members of the public that the two individuals are law enforcement. The video does not show what led up to the encounter.
LVMPD provided the following statement:
“On July 13, 2026, at 6:03 p.m., LVMPD Airport officers were notified of a disturbance in Terminal 3 at Harry Reid International Airport. Upon arrival, officers observed an elderly male with a handcuff attached to one arm. During the investigation, our officers learned Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents had attempted to detain the individual but walked away from the arrest. At the time, LVMPD officers conducted a records check and found no outstanding warrants on the individual. They removed the handcuff from his wrist and notified ICE."
The ICE Los Angeles office claims the man was arrested upon his arrival at LAX on July 14.
The agency identified the man as 57-year-old Phu Nguyen, of Vietnam. According to ICE, Nguyen "overstayed his visa and, despite attempts by agitators to help him evade ICE officers at Las Vegas airport, was taken into custody as soon as he landed in Los Angeles."
🚨ICE Los Angeles arrested Phu Nguyen, 57, of Vietnam, at LAX, July 14. Nguyen overstayed his visa and, despite attempts by agitators to help him evade ICE officers at Las Vegas airport, was taken into custody as soon as he landed in Los Angeles. pic.twitter.com/UQ9lR0hEcK
— ICE Los Angeles (@EROLosAngeles) July 15, 2026
The Department of Homeland Security released the following statement regarding the incident:
On July 13, ICE attempted to arrest Phu Nguyen, an illegal alien who is an illegal alien and citizen of Australia and was born in Vietnam, at the Las Vegas Airport. As officers attempted to arrest Nguyen, a crowd of anti-ICE agitators surrounded officers. To de-escalate the situation and for officer safety, officers did not proceed with the arrest at the Las Vegas Airport and chose to instead arrest him at his flight the following day departing the Los Angeles International Airport on July 14.
Nguyen entered the United States legally on a visa on May 27, 2013, with permission to remain in the United States until May 26, 2015. Nguyen refused to depart in violation of our nation’s laws. He will receive full due process and remain in ICE custody pending the outcome of his removal proceedings.
Being in detention is a choice. We encourage all illegal aliens to take control of their departure with the CBP Home App. The United States is offering illegal aliens $2,600 and a free flight to self-deport now. We encourage every person here illegally to take advantage of this offer and reserve the chance to come back to the U.S. the right legal way to live the American dream. If not, you will be arrested and deported without a chance to return.
Channel 13 has reached out to ICE, the Transportation Security Administration and Harry Reid International Airport for additional information.
We received the following statement from the Clark County Department of Aviation, which oversees Harry Reid International Airport:
The Clark County Department of Aviation recognizes that incidents such as this may raise questions and concerns among the traveling public. We work closely with our federal law enforcement partners to support the safe and secure operation of the airport. Inquiries regarding law enforcement’s engagement should be directed to LVMPD or the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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ICE agents attempt to detain man at Harry Reid International Airport
The video, which has circulated widely on social media, appears to show an elderly Asian man being restrained and handcuffed by two individuals while bystanders question what is happening. At one point, a TSA employee is heard telling members of the public that the two individuals are law enforcement. The video does not show what led up to the encounter.
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