Originally Reported by PasadenaNOW.com News
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detained six individuals Wednesday morning outside a Winchell’s Donut House at the corner of Orange Grove Boulevard and Los Robles Avenue, according to witnesses.
The incident occurred shortly before 6 a.m. and involved two unmarked vehicles, according to a report by PasadenaNow.com. The report states that some of those detained were waiting at a nearby bus stop when agents arrived. A video provided to Pasadena Now by an onlooker shows two vehicles approaching the bus stop, followed by two men fleeing on foot. The men are seen being pursued by individuals believed to be ICE agents.
The video also shows an African-American man at the bus stop who was not approached at the time of the initial action. It is not known whether that individual was later questioned or detained.
Witnesses told the publication that federal agents returned to the location again around 9 a.m. No additional information about that visit has been confirmed.
As of Wednesday afternoon, ICE has not released a public statement regarding the operation. The Pasadena Police Department and Pasadena City Hall have also not responded to requests for comment as of press-time.
California State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez (D-Pasadena) issued a public statement in response to the event, describing the enforcement action as “troubling.” “All indications show these raids targeted decent, hard-working community members at a bus stop who are simply trying to make a living and support their families,” Pérez stated.
Pérez said she has contacted federal agencies seeking additional information and plans to visit a detention facility later today with Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-28). “Our immigrant community deserves due process and access to legal counsel,” she said.
The identities and current status of the individuals reportedly detained have not been disclosed. It is also unclear whether any charges have been filed or if the individuals are being held locally or transferred to a federal facility.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
