Sen. Patty Murray is urging the release of Wilmer Toledo-Martinez, 28, after he was bitten by a patrol dog while CBP agents detained him in Vancouver, Washington, on November 14. Video recorded by his wife shows the aftermath but not the attack itself. DHS says Toledo-Martinez resisted and tried to flee and described him as undocumented with prior firearm-related arrests; his attorney disputes that he resisted and says charges are being dropped and there was no warrant. Murray says Toledo-Martinez remains in pain and is being denied medical care, prompting calls for his immediate release.
Sen. Patty Murray Demands Release After Man Bitten by Patrol Dog During CBP Detention in Vancouver, Washington
An image taken from video shared by Wilmer Toledo-Martinez's legal team, shows him as he's being detained. - Provided by Olia Catala
Content warning: This story includes references to graphic injuries.
What Happened
Senator Patty Murray is calling for the immediate release of Wilmer Toledo-Martinez, 28, after the man was bitten by a patrol dog while being detained by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents on November 14 in Vancouver, Washington. The senator posted photographs of Toledo-Martinez showing bloody wounds along his arm, back and side.
Video and Eyewitness Account
Video taken by Toledo-Martinez's wife and provided to CNN shows the aftermath of the dog attack; the attack itself was not recorded. In the footage, an agent tells the wife to move back or the dog will "bit again." A man in a yellow vest is visible among agents taking Toledo-Martinez into custody.
An image shows injuries Wilmer Toledo-Martinez suffered after a patrol dog attacked him while being detained by Customs and Border Patrol agents. - Provided by Olia Catala
Official Statement and Dispute
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responded on X (formerly Twitter) saying Toledo-Martinez resisted arrest and attempted to flee. DHS also described him as undocumented and cited prior arrests for possession of a loaded firearm. Toledo-Martinez's attorney, Olia Catala, disputes that account: she says some earlier charges were dropped, the remaining charges are expected to be dropped soon, and that her client did not resist. Catala also says there was no warrant for the detention.
Attorney's Version Of Events
According to Catala, Toledo-Martinez had just returned from dropping his child at school when a knock at the door preceded an interaction with a man wearing a yellow vest who allegedly said he had hit Toledo-Martinez's parked car. The man asked Toledo-Martinez to step outside and verify the vehicle. Catala says Toledo-Martinez—believing he was speaking with an ordinary citizen—went back inside to get identification when the dog suddenly attacked. Toledo-Martinez only learned the agents were from Homeland Security after he was detained, Catala said; one agent in the video is heard saying, "We're federal agents from Homeland Security, you understand that?"
Medical Concerns And Calls For Release
Sen. Murray and Toledo-Martinez's family say he remains in pain, had not seen a doctor for days following the incident, and reported symptoms including blurred vision, numbness in his arm and difficulty breathing. Murray renewed her demand for his release so he can obtain medical care, saying ICE has not allowed a doctor visit and has been dismissive of his complaints.
Response And Next Steps
DHS declined to answer specific follow-up questions about the incident or the allegations raised by Catala. The exact circumstances that led to deployment of the dog remain unclear from available footage and statements. Advocates and elected officials are seeking more information and urging transparency and medical access for Toledo-Martinez.
Note: The account in this article includes statements from multiple sources that conflict. Reporting reflects those differing accounts and available video of the aftermath.
