Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) continues to conduct operations across Southern California, targeting individuals in various public locations. Recent activity includes arrests at courthouses, workplaces, and even while individuals were running errands. Simultaneously, legislative efforts are underway both to restrict and protect those observing ICE activity.
Recent ICE Activity in Southern California
ICE agents have been observed making arrests in Los Angeles and Orange Counties, particularly targeting individuals attending immigration appointments. Increased activity has also been reported in the Inland Empire and San Bernardino County, with Montclair experiencing particularly heavy enforcement over the weekend and on Tuesday. Agents were also present at courthouses in Downey and Rancho Cucamonga.
Further south, in National City, a woman was taken from her car, which was later found abandoned. The Home Depot in Escondido has emerged as a frequent target, with multiple reported arrests of day laborers. In Santa Ana, agents were spotted at an apartment complex, but community watch groups successfully alerted residents, and no arrests were made at that location. Additional sightings occurred in Sun Valley, Colton, and Piru, though no arrests were confirmed in those areas.
Beyond enforcement, concerning incidents have been reported. A 2-month-ancient baby was hospitalized and then deported with her parents from the Dilley Detention Center in Texas, and a teacher was killed in a car chase involving ICE agents.
Legislative Responses
While ICE operations continue, lawmakers are responding. In Arizona, a proposed bill would criminalize sharing real-time information about ICE activity, potentially carrying a penalty of up to six months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Conversely, California Senator Sasha Renee Perez has introduced legislation – BILL 1105, the Protect California Rights Act – aimed at protecting community observers who monitor ICE and border patrol activity. The bill, sponsored by CHIRLA and the ACLU, seeks to clarify the role of local police departments when assisting ICE and CBP.
Recent Arrests (February 14-17)
- February 14th: In Santa Ana, ICE agents were confirmed to be in the area of Bristol St and Alton Ave. In National City, a man was arrested at the El Super on 3700 Highland Ave.
- February 15th: A woman was arrested in National City at 16th and G Avenue. ICE agents were also seen on foot in Montclair, on Monte Vista Ave and Kingsley St.
- February 16th: In Escondido, a car was reported parked at the Home Depot on E. Valley Pkwy since Tuesday. A woman was arrested and her vehicle left behind in National City on E 16th St and G Ave. Agents were seen in Sun Valley on Glenoaks Blvd and Vinedale St, Oceanside at a Mobil gas station, and in Colton at a strip mall.
- February 17th: Agents were seen in Santa Ana near an apartment complex on Columbine Ave and Sycamore St, and left after community alerts. A man was arrested at the Downey Courthouse on 7500 Imperial Hwy, and another in Bell Gardens on Selinda Ave. A day laborer was arrested at the Home Depot in Escondido. In National City, an agent was observed scouting at the Vallarta Market on 901 Euclid Ave. Multiple arrests were made in Montclair on Kingsley St, Moreno St, and 9th St. Agents were present at the Rancho Cucamonga Superior Court, but no arrests were made. An ICE vehicle was seen in Piru on Church St.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas are currently seeing increased ICE activity?
ICE is actively conducting operations in Los Angeles, Orange County, the Inland Empire, San Bernardino County, and National City. Specific locations include courthouses, Home Depot parking lots, and various streets and neighborhoods within these areas.
What is the Protect California Rights Act?
BILL 1105, the Protect California Rights Act, aims to clarify the role of local police departments in California when assisting ICE and CBP, setting standards for acceptable cooperation and preventing overreach.
Is there any legislative effort to restrict information sharing about ICE activity?
Yes, a bill proposed in Arizona would make live-ICE alerting a crime, punishable by up to six months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
As ICE continues its operations and legislative responses evolve, how will community-based observation and advocacy groups adapt their strategies to support those affected by immigration enforcement?
