City Seeking Clarification on Wednesday’s Immigration Enforcement Events in Pasadena

Hours after six people in Pasadena were apparently detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)  on Wednesday, City officials said in a statement they are aware of several locations of enforcement activity in the city this morning and are reviewing media posts, photos and video to get further clarification on the events.City officials are also seeking confirmation on which agency is conducting the enforcement activity.

There are multiple law enforcement agencies that work in the nation’s Homeland Security Department and many agents do not wear identifying uniforms. 

Witnesses told Pasadena Now that the enforcement was carried out by ICE agents. 

“We at the City of Pasadena are deeply saddened and concerned by the events that have taken place in the region over the past several days surrounding the federal government’s immigration enforcement activities,” the statement reads.

According to witnesses, ICE agents took six people into custody outside of a Winchells Donut House at the intersection of Orange Grove Blvd. and Los Robles Ave. shortly before 6 a.m. on Wednesday morning.

One witness told Pasadena Now that some of the people were waiting at a bus stop when they were detained.

Witnesses said ICE agents returned to the location a second time shortly before 9 a.m.

A video of the event provided by an onlooker shows two cars approach the bus stop. Immediately afterwards two men flee the bus stop and are pursued by what appears to be ICE agents.

In the video, the pursuers appear to ignore an African-American man at the bus stop. It is not known if they came back and detained or questioned that man.

The video was provided to Pasadena Now‘s Eddie Rivera at the scene of the incident; it appears to be authentic and accurately depicts the sidewalk and bus bench outside the Winchells at 439 Orange Grove Ave.

According to the statement, neither the City of Pasadena nor the Pasadena Police Department participate in the enforcement of federal civil immigration laws. The City also does not inquire about an individual’s immigration status when responding to calls for service or when delivering City services.

“ Immigration enforcement is the responsibility of the federal government, not state or local governments. Our focus and priority will remain on enforcing state and local laws to ensure the safety and well-being of our diverse community,” according to the statement.

The City also implored local residents to know their rights. Local residents can visit LA County’s Office of Immigrant Affairs for links to local and national immigration support organizations and hotlines.