Santa Ana City Council Issues Formal Apology to Family of Wrongfully Arrested Man
A Decade of Anguish
A decade after her son’s arrest, Vargas’ mother, Olivia Arzate, still carries the anguish of those terrible events. The Santa Ana City Council on Tuesday voted to issue a formal apology to the family of Edgar Vargas who was wrongfully arrested, beaten, and handed over to federal immigration officials 10 years ago in a case that sparked a fight for immigrant’s rights in the city.
The Brutal Arrest
In surveillance footage of the June 2014 arrest that surfaced later, officers with the Santa Ana Police Department, who were responding to a burglary call, are seen using excessive force to arrest him. "Officers appear to repeatedly hit [Vargas], then 27, and swing a baton at his legs as he lies face down on the ground," the Los Angeles Times reported.
The Aftermath
Later, they would turn him over to agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Years later, in 2019, a federal grand jury indicted a former SAPD officer, Brian Booker, for misconduct and lying about using self-defense as a cover for the brutal arrest.
The Apology
Now, the city council is making a formal apology to the Vargas’ family. "We want to make sure we understand that this kind of culture is not accepted in Santa Ana," Santa Ana City Councilman Benjamin Vasquez said. "We want to highlight the things that happened in the past that led to police oversight, that led to a sanctuary city, that we are a city of immigrants and we’re going to protect everybody."
The Impact
Immigrant rights activists in Santa Ana credit Vargas’ case turning the city into a sanctuary and for preventing law enforcement from working directly with ICE. "Edgar Vargas in many ways was the spark that started the fire," Pera explained.
Conclusion
The city’s apology is a step towards healing and accountability for the Vargas family and the community. It is a reminder that the fight for immigrant’s rights is ongoing and that the city is committed to protecting all its residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happened to Edgar Vargas?
A: Edgar Vargas was wrongfully arrested, beaten, and handed over to federal immigration officials in 2014.
Q: Why is the city issuing an apology?
A: The city is issuing an apology to acknowledge the wrongdoing and to make amends with the Vargas family and the community.
Q: What impact did Edgar Vargas’ case have on the city?
A: Edgar Vargas’ case led to the city becoming a sanctuary city and preventing law enforcement from working directly with ICE.
Q: Is the city committed to protecting all its residents?
A: Yes, the city is committed to protecting all its residents, including immigrants.
