On Thursday, a man was fatally struck by a vehicle on a Southern California freeway while fleeing an immigration raid at a Home Depot. Dylan Feik, the city manager of Monrovia, reported that local police observed the raid, prompted by a tip regarding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity. In an attempt to escape, the individual ran onto the 210 Freeway, where he was subsequently hit by a vehicle. Emergency services arrived, but the man succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. The California Highway Patrol has launched an investigation into his death, though details about the victim have not been released.
Vincent Enriquez, who witnessed the aftermath, initially mistook the incident for a motorcycle accident. Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security asserted that its agents were not chasing the individual at the time of the accident and were unaware until hours later. Monrovia officials claimed they lacked information regarding any detentions during the raid.
Palmyra Figueroa from the National Day Laborer Organizing Network reported that 13 workers were detained during the aggressive operation, with agents reportedly pursuing some individuals in vehicles. Figueroa and her group are working to connect with the detainees’ families. State Assemblymember John Harabedian condemned such raids, arguing they generate fear rather than enhance safety in communities, stating that 10 people were detained.
The incident reflects continued operational focus by immigration officials on areas frequented by day laborers, including Home Depots. Recently, federal agents conducted similar crackdowns, highlighting persistent tensions regarding immigration enforcement practices in the U.S. An appeals court recently upheld restrictions on using individuals’ language, jobs, or locations as the sole basis for detention, emphasizing civil rights concerns.
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