SOUTHEAST LOS ANGELES — Many of the cities in this part of Los Angeles County continue to be impacted by the federal crackdown on illegal immigration.
The latest federal immigration raids targeted Pico Rivera June 17, prompting a protest that included about 100 people later that evening.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents conducted raids at multiple sites in the city, including a Food 4 Less market on Whittier Boulevard and a Lowes Home Improvement store and Walmart in the 8600 block of Washington Boulevard.
It was not clear how many people were detained, but multiple media reports indicated that a man identified by relatives as 20-year-old Adrian Andrew Martinez was wrestled to the ground and arrested by federal agents for intervening in the questioning of another man.
“The city of Pico Rivera is aware and can confirm recent reports on immigration control operations conducted by the United States Immigration and Customs Control Service within our city,” the city posted on its social media accounts. “These actions have, understandably, generated worry, fear and anxiety among many of our residents.
“We want to be clear: The city of Pico Rivera and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department are not involved, cooperating with, or supporting, in any way, federal immigration control operations. Our city maintains its steadfast commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of all people, regardless of their migrant status. Each person has the right to due process as guaranteed by the Constitution,” the statement continued.
“We are deeply concerned about the tone and nature of these recent actions. Reports of aggressive tactics, arrests without warrants and operatives that appear to target specific communities raise serious doubts about the proportionality, justice and legality of the process.”
The protest lasted for hours after news of the raids, with marchers traveling from City Hall to the corner of Rosemead and Washington boulevards, one of the busiest intersections of the city.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputies monitored the demonstration, but no arrests were reported.
The city of Downey, also visited by ICE agents in recent days, offered the latest information about recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement crackdowns on its website for residents.
The page — accessible at downeyca.org/yourrights — offers “comprehensive information about recent federal enforcement activity, what the city can and cannot do and links to various resources,” according to a news release issued by the city June 18.
“In response to the federal government’s announced increase in ICE operations in Los Angeles, New York and Chicago, the … mayor and council members would like to inform residents about available resources and reaffirm their unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of all community members,” the statement said.
Mayor Hector Sosa stated that city leaders “understand that many of our residents are feeling anxious, fearful and even heartbroken by these recent developments.”
“Please know that your concerns are being heard, and your feelings are valid,” he said. “As your council members, we share in your empathy for all of our community members, especially those who are most vulnerable during these challenging times.”
Officials want residents to be aware of their rights, they said, and in addition to the web page, suggested more could be gleaned by visiting the Los Angeles County Office of Immigrant Affairs website at oia.lacounty.gov/.
There is also an ICE detainee locator at locator.ice.gov.
The city is also looking into offering webinars and workshops to affected businesses, and in the meantime directed them to the National Immigration Law Center’s guide, “What Employers Can Do if Immigration Comes to a Workplace,” available at nilc.org.
Like other cities, Downey officials emphasized that the Downey Police Department is not involved in immigration enforcement operations led by ICE.
One of the first immigration raids occurred in Paramount June 7 at a Home Depot located on Alondra Boulevard.
On June 14, several people were detained during an apparent immigration raid at the Santa Fe Springs Swap Meet, according to multiple media reports.
Video from the scene showed masked federal agents apprehending several people, accompanied by Marines who were armed. It was unclear what further actions were taken.
Witnesses told reporters people were gathering for a concert at the Swap Meet that was canceled following the raid.
The Trump administration has continued widespread immigration enforcement activities — with a reported goal of up to 3,000 deportations per day.
Santa Fe Springs residents complained to the City Council June 17 about the immigration raids.
Immigration raid protesters targeted hotels in Downey and Whittier last week after word spread that federal agents were staying at the establishments.
A noisy protest at the DoubleTree at 7320 Greenleaf Ave. in Whittier lasted until about 2 a.m. June 12, according to a report from the scene.
Some vehicles thought be those of agents were spray-painted with expletives, as were some exterior walls of the hotel.
Another targeted hotel was the Embassy Suites at 8425 Firestone Blvd. in Downey, according to KNX, which reported that some of the protesters were detained by police, who were backed by Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies and other area law enforcement agencies providing mutual aid.
Many area cities, all predominately Latino — were posting information for residents on immigrations rights on their websites or social media pages.
