CHELSEA, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) -- A teenager from Chelsea is testifying before Congress on Tuesday. Families are speaking out on alleged “ICE” brutality involving children, including this family; whose encounter was caught on camera.

According to a press release by Lawyers for Civil Rights, an incident happened back on September 26th, 2025, in Chelsea, where multiple unmarked vehicles boxed in the Ramirez Sanan family’s car. At least eight armed and masked officers allegedly smashed the driver-side window, pulled out the mother, Hilda Ramirez Sanan, using force while handcuffing her. They also say that officers attempted to pull her 13-year-old son, who is on the autism spectrum, out of the car, and questioned him while he was visibly distressed.

On Tuesday, Michelle Ramirez Sanan, a teenager who witnessed her family go through this incident, testified in front of Congress about what her family says happened during the confrontation with ice.

The hearing was focused on how immigration enforcement tactics have harmed children and families across the country. Senator Richard Blumenthal from Connecticut and Representative Robert Garcia from California orchestrated the hearing, giving several parents and kids from different ice encounters the chance to speak to lawmakers.

Michelle highlighted that her family does have legal status to live in the United States, and her attorneys say that her mother has been in the U.S. for more than 20 years and has lawful status with a green card. Additionally, all her children are U.S. citizens.

Michelle explained that this matters as it brings up two questions:

As of 3:30 p.m. Tuesday afternoon, the press conference is still ongoing. Western Mass News is watching the story closely, and will continue to keep you updated as more information becomes available.

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