Introduction to the Incident
As the Department of Homeland Security conducted at least two immigration operations in Huntington Park Thursday morning, a woman said ICE agents came to her home, looking for her undocumented husband. The 28-years-old U.S. citizen pregnant with twins said having ICE agents at your door is shocking, but seeing Homeland Department Secretary Kristi Noem was even more startling.
The Unexpected Visit
“I have never heard that Kristi Noem is going to be at somebody’s house, a whole team, a lot of people like raiding my house like it was a show,” Sabrina Medina said. Surveillance video showed ICE agents showed up at 6 a.m. as Noem stood on the street with federal agents. Another video also showed Noem with members of her team putting vests on her as agents moved into Medina’s home and another house across the street.
Reaction from Local Authorities
LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn, who served in the Congress with Noem, said the secretary chose to have a public spectacle while frightening children and families in the neighborhood. “I could tell she was doing a full camera crew production. She was getting hair and makeup done. She was putting on a show,” said Hahn, while calling for the end of the raids. “I really object to that. That really should not be what our government should be doing.”
The Personal Account
Medina, who is due in November, said the agents busted into her bathroom while she was in the shower, demanding that she come out. “I feel like a criminal now,” she said. “I felt humiliated. I’m pregnant. I’m scared. I’m shaking.” Medina said her undocumented husband, Jorge Saldana, left home the night before after the couple got into an argument over federal agent sightings. The expectant mother said her husband did serve time for a violent offense without clarifying what it is.
Outcome and Response
It’s unclear whether anyone was detained from the operations. The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to NBC Los Angeles’ request for comment.
Conclusion
The incident in Huntington Park has raised concerns about the conduct of immigration operations and the involvement of high-ranking government officials in such actions. The use of a camera crew and the apparent staging of the event for public consumption have been particularly criticized. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Department of Homeland Security will respond to these criticisms and whether any changes will be made to their operational procedures.
FAQs
- Q: Who was involved in the immigration operations in Huntington Park?
A: The operations involved ICE agents and Homeland Department Secretary Kristi Noem. - Q: What was the reaction of local authorities to the operations?
A: LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn criticized the operations, calling them a public spectacle that frightened children and families. - Q: Is it known if anyone was detained during the operations?
A: It is unclear whether anyone was detained from the operations. - Q: How did the Department of Homeland Security respond to requests for comment?
A: The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to NBC Los Angeles’ request for comment.
