ICE is truly no longer hiding its true colors. As if detaining immigrants without due process wasn’t enough, their agents are now going after anyone who dares to record their operations. One of those unlucky enough to experience this firsthand is Arturo Hermosillo from California.
He was part of the crowd that witnessed the disturbing scene at the Pacoima shopping plaza. Outside a Lowe’s store, federal agents were arresting multiple workers. But what really struck Hermosillo was the sight of an older woman lying helplessly on the ground. He recognized her immediately. She was the kind lady who often sold tamales in the area, someone many locals were familiar with. The sight angered him, and in a moment of frustration and resolve, he began recording the ICE operation from inside his work van, hoping to document what was happening and share it with the world.
Hermosillo didn’t leave his vehicle. He remained seated, though he did shout at the agents, calling out their actions. That was enough to draw their attention. When they noticed him filming, the agents approached him. They later claimed he was blocking the path for an ambulance and told him to move his vehicle.
He complied and attempted to reposition the van, but in the process, he accidentally tapped the car behind him. That was when the agents escalated things. According to Hermosillo, they opened the door and dragged him out, despite his protests that he wasn’t doing anything illegal. They grabbed him by the neck, upper body, and legs, slammed him onto the ground, and handcuffed him on the spot.
He was then placed into a van and transported to a Department of Homeland Security building in downtown Los Angeles. Thankfully, the California man was released later and not jailed, but the experience left him shaken and frustrated. To him, this was just more proof of how ICE agents have been operating with aggression and little accountability.
The California man expressed how deeply troubling it was to see people being treated like criminals for simply existing, working, or even filming. He firmly believes that immigrants, especially those working hard to survive, should be welcomed. He said America should accept them with open arms.
Despite his release, Hermosillo is now under investigation for allegedly interfering with federal agents. The Department of Homeland Security has not yet responded to requests for comment about the incident.
Many people are siding with Hermosillo online, calling the actions of the ICE agents unacceptable and out of line. One Redditor wrote, “People on the right enjoy watching this happening to others. Crazy times, y’all. Everyone stay safe.”
Others emphasized the importance of continuing to record ICE operations to hold them accountable and spread awareness. One user commented, “Filming these kidnappings is how we gather evidence for these agents’ future prosecution. The Nuremberg Trials 2.0 can’t come quickly enough.”
