Pasadena Assemblymember Condemns Fatal ICE Raid in Monrovia, Calls for Immigration Reform

Assemblymember John Harabedian (D–Pasadena) on Thursday denounced a federal immigration enforcement operation in Monrovia that resulted in the death of a man who fled the scene, calling the incident “chaos and cruelty” and urging sweeping changes to U.S. immigration policy.

The fatal August 14 incident began in the parking lot of a Home Depot in Monrovia, where federal agents reportedly detained more than 10 individuals. According to preliminary reports, one man fled in fear toward the 210 Freeway, where he was struck and later died at a hospital. The City of Monrovia confirmed it was not notified in advance of the operation.

“This is chaos and cruelty,” Harabedian said in a statement issued Thursday. “America’s promise has always been that if you work hard and contribute, you can build a better life. But under Donald Trump’s barbaric policies, those same hard-working neighbors are hunted, detained, and—in this case—driven to a fatal end.”

Harabedian, who represents Pasadena and surrounding communities in the 41st Assembly District, called for accountability and the passage of “humane immigration laws that let people live and work without the constant threat of being torn from their families.”

The incident has left families grieving and the local community shaken. As of Friday, details remained under investigation, and authorities have not released the name of the deceased.

Harabedian’s district includes Pasadena, Altadena, Monrovia, and several other foothill communities across Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties.