Leader of Local Day Laborer Coalition Says ICE Agents Aren’t Respecting Rule of Law

After immigration agents detained six people and allegedly brandished a gun on a bystander, the leader of a local day laborer coalition told Pasadena Now that the law enforcement officials carrying out immigration raids are not respecting the rule of law.

“They’re not even respecting the US Constitution,” said Jose Madera, director of the Pasadena Community Job Center. “That’s the terror that people are living with right now.”

The six people detained were waiting at a bus stop on Orange Grove Avenue near Los Robles Boulevard early Wednesday when agents approached and began chasing people.

Activists held a vigil at that location at 6 p.m. on Wednesday.

The congresswoman represents parts of Los Angeles County including Pasadena, where some of the people were detained today.

ICE operations in the district have raised concerns about potential violations of law enforcement protocols. Congresswoman Chu said video footage suggests agents may have committed serious legal violations during the raids. Chu intended to use the detention center visit to gather information about conditions for those being held and the legal procedures being followed, before being denied entry.

The raids began in Los Angeles two weeks ago. Since that time more than 300 people have been arrested or detained.

“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 City said in a statement on Wednesday.

Pasadena’s foray into the issue began on June 3 when ICE agents checked into a local hotel, sparking local protests. Although that was not an immigration raid, agents staying at the hotel allegedly questioned some hotel staff members about their immigration status.

This past weekend more than 4,000 people once again took to the streets to protest the raids.

Meanwhile, locally residents are still reeling from the loss of homes and the destruction caused by the Eaton Fire.

“People are seeing all the images of ICE agents going into churches, going into schools, going into people’s cars without asking any questions,” Madera said. “People have seen that on social media. People have seen that in the news. And here in Pasadena, in Altadena, after a devastating fire.

“People were hoping that this wouldn’t happen in Pasadena. But understanding that President Trump has called for more deportations and more terror in our communities. People are coming into communities armed to the teeth with armored cars. It was only a matter of time that they would come here.”