A tragic incident occurred on Thursday morning in Monrovia, California, when a man was struck and killed by a vehicle while attempting to escape from federal immigration officers conducting a raid at a local Home Depot. According to authorities, the incident unfolded shortly before 10 AM local time, as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were spotted by city police officers at the store.
Following the sighting of ICE agents, Monrovia fire and rescue responded to an emergency call reporting a pedestrian accident on the busy 210 freeway, which features four lanes in each direction. The unidentified man was quickly transported to a nearby hospital; however, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival.
Monrovia city manager Dylan Feik issued a statement addressing the incident, confirming that there was no ongoing ICE activity in the area at that time. He expressed condolences for the victim and his family, stating, “We extend our condolences for the individual and his family.” This raid is part of a series of operations targeting Home Depot locations across southern California, where day laborers often gather in search of work.
State Assembly Member John Harabedian, who represents the Monrovia area, revealed that ten individuals were detained during the Thursday operation. He expressed deep concern over the circumstances surrounding the man's death, stating, “One individual, fearing for their safety, fled and was tragically struck by a vehicle.”
The incident occurs against the backdrop of an intensified anti-immigrant agenda under former President Donald Trump, who aggressively pushed for a crackdown on illegal immigration. Reports indicated that over 60,000 individuals were in immigration detention as of August, surpassing previous records set during Trump's first term. His administration has significantly enhanced the federal government's capacity to detain and deport immigrants, further supported by Congressional allies who increased ICE’s budget.
Despite California's designation as a sanctuary state that aims to protect immigrant rights, federal raids have persisted, instilling fear within immigrant communities. Earlier this month, the U.S. Justice Department released a list of states and localities that allegedly “impede the enforcement of federal immigration laws,” promising to challenge these policies through legal action.
The ongoing raids have led to widespread anxiety among immigrants. Many cultural and musical events have been canceled, and even routine activities like grocery shopping have become sources of fear. One woman, protected from deportation under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, shared her fears with the Guardian: “We’re scared. When we go to the store to get groceries, we have the feeling that someone is following us.”
Assembly Member Harabedian condemned the immigration enforcement actions, arguing they do not enhance public safety but rather terrorize families and endanger lives. He stated, “Raids like this do not make our streets safer – they terrorize families, instill fear, and put lives at risk. My thoughts are with those harmed and targeted by this frightening and chaotic raid. We will continue to stand with our immigrant communities.”
This tragic event has highlighted the ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and local communities, emphasizing the need for dialogue and reform to protect vulnerable populations.
