Increased ICE enforcement in Southern California documented on social media
ICE detention centers surging: Report
A report from the Associated Press says there has been a surge in people being placed in federal custody.
LOS ANGELES - Residents across Los Angeles County said they are seeing increased immigration enforcement in their communities, with several of the incidents being documented and posted to social media.
What we know:
A new report from the Associated Press reveals the number of detainees inside Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities surged to roughly 39,000 in June, a significant spike from the 30,000 monthly average reported throughout most of the year. Immigrant rights observers have documented numerous local enforcement actions, including instances where individuals were reportedly taken into custody immediately after being released from local jails.
Some incidents posted online show agents active in Panorama City, the Fairfax District, Altadena, and Whittier.
The backstory:
According to immigration specialists, it is a very common practice for federal immigration authorities to monitor local booking systems. When an individual is arrested and booked into a municipal facility for local misdemeanors, their booking fingerprints are entered into criminal justice databases that are actively monitored by federal agencies. Consequently, immigration agents are frequently waiting outside local facilities to take individuals into custody immediately upon their release.
What they're saying:
Immigrant rights advocates said this is part of an ongoing trend.
"It's very common actually, very common," said immigration specialist Denise Sanchez. "It's not going to stop. It's definitely not going to stop. I feel like this is going to continue, for sure."
She also warned the trend is not going to stop and people need to be careful.
Meanwhile, local officials clarified that these operations are separate from municipal police activity.
In a statement, Burbank police officials said: "ICE agents may take individuals into custody after they have been released from the Burbank jail. Those actions are conducted independently of the Burbank Police Department."
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the following statement in response: "On July 5, ICE arrested Jorge Cruz-Vallejo, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, charged with shining a laser at an aircraft, and Genaro Cruz-Vallejo, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, also charged with shining a laser at an aircraft, after they were released from Burbank Police Department Jail. In 2022, Jorge Cruz-Vellejo was offered voluntary return to Mexico and departed, then illegally reentered the country, a felony. Genaro Cruz-Vallejo was granted voluntary departure three times in March 2021 and illegally reentered, a felony, twice. All of their claims will be heard by a Justice Department immigration judge and they will receive full due process. This administration will not ignore the rule of law. Under President Trump and Secretary Mullin, if you break the law, you will face the consequences. Criminal illegal aliens are not welcome in the U.S."
The Source: This report is based on video posted to social media, statistical data published by the Associated Press, an official public information statement from the Burbank Police Department, and legal practice insights from immigration specialist Denise Sanchez.