ICE said Guzman, who is from El Salvador, entered the United States illegally in 1988 and later received a green card. The agency said his criminal history includes felony convictions for selling amphetamine, carrying a prohibited weapon and carrying a concealed weapon, as well as offenses involving animal conservation and cruelty. ICE said it determined he could be removed from the country because of that history.

Guzman’s brother, Atilio Portillo, a naturalized U.S. citizen, was driving him when agents stopped the vehicle. Portillo said he was detained briefly and then released. At a Friday news conference organized by Siembra NC, he said agents did not tell him whom they were looking for after he identified himself as a citizen.

Portillo also said agents broke the vehicle’s windows and pointed guns at him. ICE said its officers are trained to use the minimum force necessary to address dangerous situations and protect the public and officers.

The arrest comes amid heightened local attention to immigration enforcement. The available information does not specify where Guzman was being held or what immigration proceedings he may face.