Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity has been reported across Southern California in recent days, sparking concern and prompting community observation. The activity comes after Markwayne Mullin was confirmed as the new Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, replacing Kristie Noem.
Recent ICE Activity
Over the weekend of March 21st and 22nd, ICE was observed in multiple locations, including Dana Point, Santa Maria, Santa Paula, Fillmore, and San Luis Obispo. In Carpinteria, an ICE vehicle was seen speaking with local sheriff’s deputies. On Monday, March 23rd, ICE agents took at least two people into custody during check-ins at an ISAP office in Downtown Los Angeles and targeted a food vendor on 11th St and Maple Ave. Additional scouting activity was reported in Chula Vista, National City, and Indio, where a young woman was taken into custody.
Reports indicate ICE agents were also confirmed at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on March 23rd, arriving in vehicles with no license plates. However, as of March 23rd, ICE was not reported to be present at any other California airports.
Broader Context
These raids follow an incident at San Francisco International Airport, which occurred the day before ICE was deployed to airports. The individual taken into custody at SFO was a detainee being deported to Guatemala. The administration’s actions have drawn scrutiny, with some observers suggesting a connection to the upcoming election season.
Beyond the recent raids, it has been reported that more than 11,000 U.S. Citizen children have had parents detained by ICE, leaving them in the care of family, friends, or strangers. Other reports detail instances of individuals being targeted, including a non-verbal man allegedly tricked into signing deportation papers and a carwasher who was detained for seven months before being released.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ICE currently at LAX?
As of March 23rd, ICE agents were confirmed at LAX, arriving in vehicles with no license plates. However, ICE is not reported to be present at any other airports in California.
Where else has ICE been active recently?
ICE activity has been reported in Dana Point, Santa Maria, Santa Paula, Fillmore, San Luis Obispo, Carpinteria, Indio, Chula Vista, and National City, as well as at an ISAP check-in location in Downtown Los Angeles.
How many parents of U.S. Citizen children have been detained?
More than 11,000 parents of U.S. Citizen children have been detained by ICE, according to reports.
As communities navigate these ongoing enforcement efforts, what role will local observation and information sharing play in ensuring transparency and accountability?
