Immigration agents in Southern California have escalated their tactics, sparking fear among workers and residents alike. On Wednesday, at least two dozen Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations took place across the region, from East Los Angeles to downtown areas like Montebello.
Surveillance footage captured an ICE agent climbing a ladder onto the roof of a home in Montebello, where a construction crew was working. The workers quickly scrambled to safety, jumping from one rooftop to another as they tried to evade capture. Notably, no one was detained during this operation, but the workers were left shaken.
Construction contractor Manny, who hired the affected workers, described the scene as chaotic and terrifying for his crew. "They were just scared - just in fear for their lives," he said. "We just gathered and I prayed for all of them, and I prayed for their protection and that God would give us peace during this troubled time." The incident has left Manny's crew hesitant to return to work, fearing the same kind of brutal treatment they witnessed.
Civil rights groups have condemned the aggressive tactics employed by ICE agents in public areas across Southern California. Ron Gochez, with Union del Barrio, stated that these actions are "brutal violence against an unarmed civilian population" aimed at imposing the government's will. He emphasized the need for continued community organizing and defense to counteract this oppressive behavior.
The enforcement of new state laws requiring ICE agents not to wear face coverings has also been met with skepticism. Gochez argued that even if these measures are enforced, federal agents remain exempt from complying with them. "It's a waste of our time," he stated.
These operations have instilled fear in communities, prompting residents to rethink their daily routines and avoid leaving their homes for extended periods. The Department of Homeland Security has yet to provide an exact number of ICE operations conducted across the region or confirm whether those targeted had prior criminal backgrounds.
Surveillance footage captured an ICE agent climbing a ladder onto the roof of a home in Montebello, where a construction crew was working. The workers quickly scrambled to safety, jumping from one rooftop to another as they tried to evade capture. Notably, no one was detained during this operation, but the workers were left shaken.
Construction contractor Manny, who hired the affected workers, described the scene as chaotic and terrifying for his crew. "They were just scared - just in fear for their lives," he said. "We just gathered and I prayed for all of them, and I prayed for their protection and that God would give us peace during this troubled time." The incident has left Manny's crew hesitant to return to work, fearing the same kind of brutal treatment they witnessed.
Civil rights groups have condemned the aggressive tactics employed by ICE agents in public areas across Southern California. Ron Gochez, with Union del Barrio, stated that these actions are "brutal violence against an unarmed civilian population" aimed at imposing the government's will. He emphasized the need for continued community organizing and defense to counteract this oppressive behavior.
The enforcement of new state laws requiring ICE agents not to wear face coverings has also been met with skepticism. Gochez argued that even if these measures are enforced, federal agents remain exempt from complying with them. "It's a waste of our time," he stated.
These operations have instilled fear in communities, prompting residents to rethink their daily routines and avoid leaving their homes for extended periods. The Department of Homeland Security has yet to provide an exact number of ICE operations conducted across the region or confirm whether those targeted had prior criminal backgrounds.