ICE conducting raids in Pico Rivera — city official concerned about ‘nature and tone of these recent actions’

Federal agents conducted immigration raids throughout Pico Rivera on Tuesday, June 17, the city’s top administrator said, adding that officials are “increasingly concerned about the nature and tone of these recent actions.”

It’s unclear how many people have been detained or impacted by the raids.

City Manager Steve Carmona said in a statement that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement was conducting the raids without the knowledge or support of city officials or the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Reports of the raids spread quickly on social media, with community members on Facebook posting videos of reported raids around the city. In one case, community members said, a Walmart worker, who they say is a U.S. citizen, was detained at work.

Carmona said he’s concerned about increased immigration enforcement seeming to target communities such as Pico Rivera, a city of 60,800 people that is 91% Hispanic, according to U.S. Census data.

“When enforcement efforts create fear or the appearance of profiling, they risk undermining the trust that is essential between residents and their local government,” Carmona said. “Pico Rivera remains firmly committed to protecting civil liberties, constitutional rights and the respectful treatment of all individuals under the law.”

The city, he said, is reviewing legal and policy options to protect residents and to help the community feel safe.

Carmona encouraged community members to continue using city services and to reach out to immigrants’ rights groups if needed for legal guidance or other support.

During an L.A. County Board of Supervisors meeting, Supervisor Janice Hahn, who represents Pico Rivera, referenced Tuesday’s ICE raids, saying such activities are creating a sense of anxiety and uncertainty in L.A. County immigrant communities.

“They are unannounced, unprovoked and irresponsible, and they are having such a consequential impact on people’s families,” she said.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.