The city of Downey, known for its stately homes and vibrant business districts, is currently grappling with a wave of anxiety and anger stemming from recent immigration raids conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
With a population of over 110,000, Downey, often referred to as the ‘Mexican Beverly Hills,’ has seen a significant impact on its community dynamics as these federal actions spark intimidation among Latino residents.
Councilman Mario Trujillo voiced his concerns about the situation’s effect on the community, stating that the raids are fostering a ‘culture of fear.’
He noted that even individuals with legal documents are opting to remain at home, worried about potential profiling by federal agents solely based on their ethnic background.
“Homes that used to echo with laughter and life now seem silent, as businesses in downtown Downey, already struggling due to a fragile economy, have taken a hit,” Trujillo explained.
He expressed understanding of the agents’ roles but questioned the rationale behind targeting individuals merely striving to support their families.
“We’re supposed to feel safe from this agency whose mission is to remove criminals, not to apprehend innocent workers,” Trujillo added.
On Wednesday, a significant operation unfolded, leading to the detention of at least twelve individuals at various businesses throughout Downey.
Community members intervened on behalf of one man, successfully preventing his detention amid the chaos.
For many, including Paula Mejia, a longtime Downey resident who immigrated from Mexico, the anxiety is palpable.
Having lived in the United States for over 45 years, she described a noticeable drop in patronage at local restaurants and shops since the ICE raids commenced.
“I’m scared now, I carry my passport wherever I go,” Mejia shared.
She noted that even her American-born children are now carrying their passports, something they have never had to do before.
Mejia expressed disappointment in the treatment of Mexicans under President Donald Trump’s administration, highlighting the concerns of racial profiling faced by not only Mexicans but Latinos in general.
“They categorize us all together, regardless of our nationality,” she said, underscoring the hard work and contributions of immigrants in the U.S.
This sentiment was echoed by Jose, a 26-year-old whose family owns Galaxy Auto Detail, a business directly targeted by ICE agents.
He recounted an incident where agents attempted to apprehend a worker, prompting immediate panic within the establishment.
“The man tried to escape but was blocked,” Jose stated.
He described the moment as frightening, where questions posed to agents about warrants were met with intimidation, as he was threatened with arrest for interference.
With a reduced workforce, Galaxy Auto Detail has had to close its doors, and Jose remains uncertain about when they can resume operations.
He voiced feelings of insecurity even as a U.S. citizen, citing a pervasive sense of being targeted because of his ethnicity.
“We’re starting to feel like our skin color is a target,” Trujillo lamented, referring to a chilling perception of racial profiling emerging within the community.
Nearby, the Downey Memorial Church, the site of a recent detainment, remained vacant and silent on Thursday, a stark contrast to the bustling environment it once represented.
Estevan Phillipy, a teacher at a preschool adjacent to the church, witnessed the alarming event unfold.
His family, while documented, shares in the fear gripping many within the community, highlighting how even lawful residents are affected by the ongoing raids.
“My relatives are terrified of going out now,” he said.
Similarly, Alex Cruz, who works at Papa John Car Wash, spoke of the unsettling atmosphere left in the wake of the raids.
Many of the undocumented workers have stopped coming to work, with fear overshadowing their daily routines.
“Everybody is afraid to get out of their houses,” Cruz stated, drawing attention to the broader implications of the immigration crackdown.
He expressed frustration regarding the federal government’s narratives which unjustly label undocumented immigrants as criminals.
“Every Hispanic or Latino is being painted with the same brush,” Cruz said, calling for more humane treatment from the government.
The struggles faced by the local immigrant community are underscored by the voices of individuals like Francisco, an undocumented taquero making ends meet despite feeling overwhelmed by fear.
“Going out to work is now a chore filled with anxiety,” he revealed in Spanish, explaining how he’s heard of colleagues being detained.
To mitigate risks, Francisco has adjusted his movements and turned to delivery services for essentials but remains determined to work.
“If we don’t go out to work, how do we cover our expenses?” he asked, emphasizing the relentless hurdles immigrants encounter.
Across Downey, the interplay of fear and resilience continues as community members navigate an increasingly uncertain reality under the pressure of federal actions.
While frustrations and fears mount, many cling to their endeavors, hopeful for a swift resolution to the palpable tension hovering over their city.
The actions of ICE have sparked a critical dialogue within Downey, revealing the deep-rooted challenges faced by immigrant communities and the need for understanding and empathy amidst an increasingly polarized environment.
image source from：https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-06-13/the-mexican-beverly-hills-reels-trump-immigration-raids
