Recent reports of federal agents detaining commuters at a bus stop in Pasadena have sparked heightened fears regarding immigration enforcement targeting public transportation in Southern California.
For many residents, particularly those who are Latino and rely heavily on Los Angeles’ public transit system, the incident has amplified concerns about their safety while using buses and trains.
Since immigration agents intensified their operations on June 6 to find and apprehend undocumented immigrants, a notable number of commuters have begun to withdraw from their regular routines, avoiding work, school, and even churches to evade potential raids.
As some individuals cautiously attempt to return to their daily lives, public transit has evolved into yet another anxiety-inducing environment.
Metro officials report a 10% to 15% drop in ridership for both buses and trains since the uptick in immigration enforcement activities began.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn expressed her concern, stating, “The way that ICE is going about these sweeps is terrifying people. This isn’t right. The fear they are spreading is doing profound harm in our communities.”
Though rumors had been circulating online regarding immigration officials’ presence at bus stops and rail lines, the situation became more apparent early Wednesday, when a group of masked immigration officers approached two individuals waiting at a bus stop in Pasadena.
The incident, captured on video, shows immigration officers detaining one of the men after a brief conversation.
In total, six residents from Pasadena were reported detained during this specific operation.
This particular bus stop—located near an elementary school—also sits adjacent to numerous Latino-owned businesses, highlighting the community’s reliance on local public transport.
Witnesses described the atmosphere during the confrontation, emphasizing the panic it caused among those present.
Videos circulating on social media revealed a chaotic scene where one witness attempted to capture a photo of the federal agents’ unmarked vehicle, only to be confronted by an armed officer.
As bystanders reacted vocally against the federal presence, the agents rapidly retreated, leaving many local residents shaken by the encounter.
State Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez criticized the raid, stating, “This is lawlessness. This is completely inappropriate. This is an incredibly dangerous way to operate. Somebody is going to get seriously hurt.”
Another local leader, Rep. Judy Chu, condemned the operation, describing it as “outrageous” and labeled the federal agents as acting like a militia, terrorizing families in the community.
As local officials began to evaluate the appropriateness of the federal agents’ actions, Pasadena public information officer Lisa Derderian noted efforts were being made to identify the individuals involved in the incident.
The city has since responded by increasing law enforcement visibility around schools and transit hubs, expressing a commitment to maintaining community safety while navigating the complexities of federal immigration enforcement.
Michael Schneider of the advocacy group Streets for All emphasized the importance of understanding that many public transit users depend on these services for their daily needs, as a significant portion of bus and rail riders come from lower-income households.
In a recent survey conducted by Metro, it was reported that over 60% of bus riders and approximately 50% of rail riders identified as Latinx/Hispanic, with a vast majority earning less than $50,000 annually.
“Many of the people using Metro do so because they have no choice,” Schneider explained.
“Without alternative means of transportation, they are compelled to ride buses and trains to reach their workplaces and other essential locations.”
Metro has been working diligently to rebuild public trust following prior incidents of violence aboard public transit.
Security personnel and regular commuters at Union Station remarked on a noticeable decline in foot traffic over recent weeks.
Johnathan Aros, a security guard at the station, noted, “There are fewer passengers than normal. I wouldn’t say it’s significant, but it’s different.”
In light of these developments, Supervisor Hahn, who chairs the Metro board, has requested that staff report on agency protocols concerning potential interactions with immigration agents on public transit.
A coalition of 50 advocacy groups recently sent a letter to Metro’s board advocating for new measures to enhance protections for riders amid the heightened fears of raids.
Their proposed measures included relaxing exit restrictions to allow quick departures during emergencies, providing emergency training for Metro employees, and even offering free rides to those adversely affected by ongoing immigration enforcement operations.
The letter emphasized, “These past two weeks, Los Angeles has been terrorized by ICE and Federal agents. Immigrants and Latinos make up the majority of LA Metro’s ridership and are working-class Angelenos who depend on public transportation to access essential services.”
In the wake of increased immigration enforcement throughout the nation, Hahn has also directed Metro to collaborate with L.A. County’s Office of Immigration Affairs and to bolster public awareness campaigns focused on the rights of immigrant riders.
“Our public transit system must serve as a safe and inclusive space for all,” Hahn asserted in her communication to Metro Chief Executive Stephanie Wiggins.
Several commuters have expressed their mounting anxiety regarding the ongoing circumstances, demonstrating how fear and uncertainty have permeated their everyday routines.
A woman from Boyle Heights, who wished to remain anonymous, shared her growing apprehension about public transport, stating, “People are scared, but they have to work. There’s work no matter what.”
Oxlha, who works near a bus stop, revealed that the community harbors a growing distrust of public services amid all of these changes and challenges.
“I’ve seen videos of bus drivers saying that ICE is inside [buses],” she noted.
This increased tension left several residents feeling consistently on edge, even while navigating their basic routines.
Sophia, a Boyle Heights local, recounted her struggles during this tumultuous period, revealing that she hesitated to leave her home for almost a week.
She described how her family’s life has been overshadowed by uncertainty, stating, “The fear of going out to look for a dream is now a nightmare. It’s very sad this is all happening.”
The pervasive atmosphere of fear surrounding public transit has affected many commuters, forcing them to weigh their day-to-day responsibilities against the risk of encountering immigration enforcement.
As the situation continues to evolve, community leaders and residents alike are advocating for more protective measures and continued dialogue on immigrant rights to help alleviate the ongoing tension.
Local officials are also exploring ways to ensure that transit remains a safe option for all Angelinos, even as federal enforcement actions persist.
image source from：latimes
