Federal immigration agents have launched a series of detainments across the Las Vegas valley, alarming local communities and immigrant advocacy organizations.
Various reports indicate that these operations have taken place in busy areas such as Bonanza and Sahara, as well as common spots like Freedom Park and the Indoor Swapmeet located on Eastern and Owens.
Between April 13th and April 17th, the Nevada Immigrant Coalition, along with UNLV and the ACLU of Nevada, compiled a list detailing these ICE activities.
Although the exact number of detentions remains unconfirmed, immigration attorney Nallely Abad from Handy Legal Services estimates that at least 30 people may have been detained based on calls received by her office and feedback from colleagues.
“Just from the phone calls that we received in our office, and information from colleagues, we’re talking about over 30 persons that were detained during that process. And I believe it’s probably more,” said Abad.
In response to inquiries from Nevada Public Radio, ICE declined to provide specifics.
“Due to operational security reasons and for the safety of our law enforcement personnel, ICE does not confirm or discuss ongoing or future operations,” the agency stated.
They emphasized that their focus is on individuals without legal status who have committed crimes or who have prior deportation orders. However, Abad noted that her current case raises questions about this supposed focus.
“This person was detained through a traffic stop. They asked to see a warrant, it never occurred. Then it escalated, and the officers on scene broke a window to remove this person from their vehicle. He does have a misdemeanor charge, but he does not have any deportable offenses,” she explained.
Concerns extend beyond those without legal status. Laura Martin, executive director of Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada, highlighted the pervasive fear affecting even those with legal protections in the U.S.
“The Trump administration is taking away the status of people who are international students because of [political activism], people who have Temporary Protected Status (TPS), people with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals status (DACA),” Martin said.
The uncertainty evokes wariness, as “we’re also hearing of US citizens being detained by ICE. You don’t really know if you are protected or not, and so people are just playing it safe.”
Bliss Requa-Trautz, executive director of the Arriba Las Vegas Worker Center, reported that workplaces have also witnessed ICE activity.
“Very concerning to see that ICE went to a local bakery and detained a legal permanent resident at his place of employment. We also saw enforcement activities that caused an extreme level of distress for some employees in workplaces that are part of the economy of our state.”
In light of the current situation, immigration attorney Nallely Abad urges community members to know their rights in case ICE shows up at their doorsteps.
“They must have a valid warrant issued by a judge, not an administrative warrant that’s not signed by a judge. Do not open the door. Ask them to either slide it underneath the door or show it on a closed window. It has to list [your] address,” Abad advised.
She also emphasized the importance of keeping doors closed during interactions with ICE agents.
“Make sure that whoever is going to the door that they close it behind them, because if it’s specifically stating that it’s for the apprehension of one person, it doesn’t give them the right to enter the home and ask questions for other persons who might be in the home.”
image source from：https://knpr.org/show/knprs-state-of-nevada/2025-04-24/reported-ice-activity-in-las-vegas-raises-alarm-for-immigration-advocates
