Los Angeles officials have spoken out following a disturbing incident captured on video involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in North Hollywood. The footage showed an agent pointing a gun at a bystander as a separate man was detained. The cell phone video depicts agents taking away a man while a bystander walking two dogs is seen picking something up from the ground. Two agents rushed at him, one pushing him into bushes while holding what appeared to be a handgun. The bystander quickly discarded the item prompting the agent to withdraw.
Further into the video, the dog walker shouts at the officers with one approaching him again, reportedly holding pepper spray, causing the bystander to flee. While running, he bends down to pick and toss another unidentified object. The agents, wearing vests marked “ICE Police,” are seen dragging the detained man toward an unmarked SUV.
The incident occurred around 8:30 a.m. near Vineland Place and Otsego Street at the Ivy Apartments. Witness Damari Butler recounted observing the event, emphasizing the shocking nature of the gun being drawn in the man’s face.
In response, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a statement saying the agents arrested Angel Luis Gonzalez Lobo from Venezuela in a targeted operation. He was given a final removal order by an immigration judge after failing to appear in court. DHS stated he would remain in custody awaiting removal proceedings and would receive due process.
DHS highlighted the bystander incident, claiming he was armed with pepper spray, leading to chaos. Their statement expressed concern over the environment created, impacting federal law enforcement’s ability to perform their duties safely.
The video’s spread on social media prompted reactions from various Los Angeles leaders. Mayor Karen Bass expressed alarm at the images and reports, asserting every community member deserves safety, regardless of origin, language, or appearance.
Congresswoman Luz Rivas, representing the area, criticized the video, accusing ICE of violating the rights and safety of individuals while driving an anti-immigrant agenda. She called for the abolition of ICE, citing families being torn apart and residents terrorized.
Nithya Raman, mayoral candidate and Los Angeles City Councilwoman, expressed outrage on social media. She highlighted that Los Angeles should not be subject to inhumane operations, ensuring Angelenos can live without fear in their everyday activities.
Leave a Reply