Mayor Addresses Arrest of Job Center Director, Condemns ICE Presence in Pasadena on Eaton Fire Anniversary

Mayor Victor Gordo on Saturday issued his first public comments on the Jan. 7 arrest of Pasadena Community Job Center Director José Madera by Pasadena police.

Madera was taken into custody Wednesday outside Pasadena Police Department headquarters on North Garfield Avenue after following a federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent to the building. The agent had called 911, alleging that a vehicle was following him and being driven recklessly.

Officers contacted Madera as he sat in his car. Madera told Pasadena Now he repeatedly asked why he was being detained and offered his driver’s license and insurance before officers opened his car door “without my consent.” Police arrested him on suspicion of misdemeanor obstructing a peace officer, issued him a citation and released him.

Gordo said the city will conduct a thorough review of the incident.

Here is Mayor Gordo’s statement in full:

“On January 7, José Madera, a beloved community leader and the Director of the Pasadena Community Job Center was questioned and detained by Pasadena Police following allegations raised by a federal ICE agent who had entered our community that day. While José was released immediately after processing, his being detained shook those who know his character, his record of service, and his unwavering commitment to Pasadena.

“What makes this moment even more troubling is the timing. ICE chose to show up in Pasadena on a day when our community was gathered to commemorate the Eaton Fire and the profound losses we endured including the 19 lives taken and the homes and schools lost, compounding the pain we carry as a city. And across our nation on that same day, we witnessed the heartbreaking killing of Renée Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother and neighbor in Minneapolis, who was fatally shot by a federal ICE agent during a federal operation. Another life cut short under circumstances that have sparked deep anguish, questions, and calls for accountability nationwide.

“These events are not isolated. They speak to a deeper fear in our immigrant and broader communities, that enforcement actions arrive unannounced, at moments of mourning, or in ways that sow confusion, distrust, and pain. That choice of timing was not happenstance and it is unacceptable.

“Pasadena Police Chief Gene Harris has assured me that there will be a complete and thorough investigation into the incident that occurred here and the allegations made by the federal agent that led to José being questioned and detained. Later that same day, we came together — José, NDLON Co-Executive Director Pablo Alvarado, Chief Harris, Deputy Chief Art Chute, City Manager Miguel Márquez, and other community leaders. It was a frank, constructive, and positive conversation.

“I am under no illusions about the fear, the concern, and even the anger many felt seeing one of our community’s most compassionate and caring leaders detained. I share in those feelings. I commit to you that this investigation will be thorough and accountable, and that we will work together, city leadership and community partners alike, to build back trust. Pasadena is strongest when we stand together for dignity, fairness, and the belief that every person belongs. That is the standard we must meet, and the work we will continue to do together.”