Community members and activists have expressed deep outrage following a confrontational arrest of a U.S. citizen in Boyle Heights, where armed federal agents clashed with a family car on Wednesday.
The incident occurred at approximately 10:37 a.m. on Whittier Boulevard, as agents from the Department of Homeland Security engaged in a dramatic operation against Christian Cerna, 27. Surveillance footage revealed that two unmarked vehicles—a pickup truck and an SUV—rammed Cerna’s white sedan, effectively trapping the vehicle.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with agents emerging from the vehicles wearing protective vests and brandishing firearms. They used what appeared to be a non-lethal grenade, clouding the area in smoke, before taking Cerna into custody as he exited the car with his hands raised.
Cerna’s family, which included his wife and two young children, was left behind in distress, with no immediate information on Cerna’s whereabouts following the arrest. Attorney Christian Contreras, representing the family, announced plans to file a lawsuit against the federal government, condemning the actions of the agents involved in what activists called a “kidnapping.”
Contreras urged the community to respond lawfully through court actions and civic engagement. He asserted, “We’re here saying that we’re going to stand up. We’re going to fight back lawfully—through the courts, through our First Amendment rights, and through organizing.”
In a statement, the Department of Homeland Security labeled the operation as a “targeted arrest,” claiming that Cerna was wanted for allegedly assaulting a Customs and Border Protection officer. Despite these claims, as of yesterday afternoon, no specific charges had been detailed, and the family reported that Cerna’s wife had been unable to establish contact with him and was unaware of his detention location.
The troubling event has sparked a robust response from the local community. During a press conference held at Salazar Park, approximately 50 activists, clergy members, and witnesses gathered to voice their collective anger and concern regarding the increasing militarization of local law enforcement and the federal government’s tactics.
Melissa Herrera, a resident of East L.A., responded emotionally to the footage of the incident. She drew a parallel to historical oppressive regimes, stating, “You see what’s going on in our streets, and it’s just very similar to the Gestapo rounding up people, and that’s what’s so frightening.”
Father Brendan Busse, a local pastor and member of the Boyle Heights Rapid Response Network, also decried the aggressive tactics used by federal agents. He stated emphatically, “We are here because we defend this community, because we love this community, because we are this community. If you live as if everything is sacred, then it doesn’t matter what somebody has done.”
Enrique Vasquez, a member of the Immigrant Rapid Response Network, echoed sentiments of anger and fear for the community. He challenged the militarization of law enforcement in Los Angeles, emphasizing the necessity of organizing and acting in love for the community. “We cannot stand still and not do anything because they have militarized the city of L.A.” he asserted.
This dramatic event has intensified discussions about community safety and the role of federal agents, with many residents calling for a reevaluation of law enforcement practices.
image source from：https://laist.com/news/politics/community-rallies-after-federal-agents-ram-car-with-kids-inside-in-boyle-heights-arrest
