A family in Montebello is in distress after a man they claim is a U.S. citizen was arrested during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation at his workplace.
The raid occurred on Thursday at approximately 4:30 p.m., and video footage obtained by Eyewitness News shows Javier Ramirez handcuffed and seated on the ground outside his business where he operates a towing yard.
Reports indicate that another employee at the business was also arrested during the incident.
Friends and family have spoken out about Ramirez’s situation, claiming he expressed his U.S. citizenship during the arrest.
According to a close friend who witnessed the arrest, Ramirez shouted, ‘I have my passport! I have my ID! I’m a U.S. citizen!’ but his pleas were ignored by the ICE agents.
The friend attempted to intervene, urging agents to release Ramirez, only to be told to back off or face arrest himself.
Ramirez, who was born in San Bernardino, is described as a single father of two children.
His family is growing increasingly concerned about his wellbeing due to his diabetes, as they claim he was not allowed to take his insulin medication with him when he was taken into custody.
Abimael Dominguez, Ramirez’s brother, shared his fears regarding Ramirez’s current condition.
He stated, ‘I’m just scared that we can’t find him. We don’t know where he’s at. We’ve been trying to locate him. I don’t know how he is, if he’s even alive at all at this point.’
Dominguez, who has partnered with Ramirez in operating their towing business for over ten years, recalled witnessing the chaos of the ICE raid.
He noted that Ramirez warned others present by yelling, ‘ICE! Immigration!’ which incensed the agents.
Dominguez criticized the manner in which the agents conducted the arrest, highlighting that his brother had the right to not be detained due to his citizenship status.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office stated that Ramirez was apprehended for allegedly assaulting an ICE agent and is now facing potential charges for assaulting a federal officer.
They clarified that Ramirez’s arrest was not related to any immigration concerns.
Meanwhile, law enforcement officials in Los Angeles gathered to discuss strategic preparations for protests anticipated over the weekend.
The cohort included representatives from the Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and California Highway Patrol, all poised for a challenging weekend ahead.
In conjunction with this situation, over 2,000 protests are expected nationwide as part of events dubbed ‘No Kings Day,’ coinciding with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday.
Hunter Dunn, one of the protest organizers, emphasized the tensions between the federal government and community members.
He remarked, ‘We’re talking about two things right now, one is the national exorbitant and frankly authoritarian military parade happening in DC tomorrow. Our communities are under attack by the federal government.’
Dunn drew comparisons between ICE actions and historical abuses of power, depicting agents as acting without proper warrants and forcing people into custody.
In response to the anticipated unrest, authorities have extended a late-night curfew in downtown Los Angeles, now set to run nightly from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell explained that the initiative is aimed at maintaining order amid rising tensions and potential for violence.
Chief McDonnell urged protestors to keep demonstrations peaceful, with an emphasis on focusing on their messages rather than creating chaos.
Sheriff Robert Luna accentuated the importance of safety for both demonstrators and law enforcement personnel, noting that there has been an increase in violence against deputies during prior protests.
He reported that 10 deputies had been injured due to confrontations involving various threats including thrown objects and incendiary devices.
Sheriff Luna mentioned that his agency is operating at 170% of their usual personnel levels to ensure a strong presence over the weekend.
This planning coincides not only with multiple scheduled protests but also with two major soccer matches in the area, adding to the complexity of crowd control.
Deputy Commissioner Ezery Beauchamp from the CHP confirmed that all days off for their officers have been canceled amid preparations for the weekend.
He noted that special response teams made up of specially trained officers would be deployed.
Beauchamp reiterated their commitment to ensuring the safety of all events taking place in Los Angeles County over the course of the weekend.
Law enforcement agencies will also have aerial units patrolling to monitor the demonstrations and oversee the safety of participants.
A rally is scheduled for Saturday at 5:30 p.m. in downtown Riverside, near the intersection of Market and University.
Riverside Police Officer Ryan Railsback expressed hope for a peaceful event.
He stated, ‘We’re expecting a peaceful event. Our job as law enforcement is to help facilitate a safe and peaceful environment for anyone coming out to express their First Amendment rights.’
Railsback also made it clear that any threats or violence towards businesses or law enforcement would not be tolerated.
Another significant demonstration is set to begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday in Grand Park, downtown Los Angeles, potentially drawing a large crowd as protests unfold across the region in the days ahead.
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