A U.S. citizen, Javier Ramirez, has shared his experience of being detained by federal immigration agents in Montebello, California, during an operation that has raised concerns about immigration enforcement practices. The incident occurred on June 12, 2025, when Ramirez was arrested by agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while he was at a tow yard where he works. Although the federal case against him was dismissed without prejudice last month, Ramirez has expressed lingering fear and anxiety since the incident.
Ramirez was apprehended by ICE agents who accused him of attempting to flee and resisting arrest when they surrounded the tow yard. He contends that he informed the agents of his U.S. citizenship but was still taken into custody and transported away in an unmarked vehicle. Video footage of his detention quickly circulated on social media, drawing attention to the aggressive tactics employed during such operations.
“I told them I’m a U.S. citizen, but they still went at me,” Ramirez recounted. “As long as you look Mexican, they would come up to you and just take you.” He described his immediate reaction upon seeing the agents: “As soon as I see them, the first thing I do is pull up my hands. ‘Hey, I’m not a threat to you.'” Despite his protests, he was detained for approximately 22 hours before his family located him in federal custody.
The emotional toll of the experience has been significant, particularly for Ramirez, who is a father of four. “I’m pretty much traumatized by everything,” he stated. “To be honest, I still feel a little bit scared.”
His attorneys have not yet released the security camera footage that shows him approaching the federal agents with his hands raised, as they are considering potential litigation. The Department of Homeland Security has received inquiries regarding Ramirez’s allegations, but no official comment has been provided.
The recent immigration enforcement operations in Southern California are part of a broader strategy under the Trump administration, which has focused on deporting undocumented individuals, particularly those with criminal convictions. According to data from NBC News, nearly 56,600 migrants have been detained by ICE since the beginning of Trump’s second term. Among those apprehended, approximately 29% had criminal convictions, while 24.7% faced pending charges.
In light of the ongoing enforcement actions, community members and advocacy groups have raised concerns about the implications for individuals, particularly those who may be unfairly targeted. Ramirez’s case highlights the fear many feel in the wake of aggressive immigration policies and practices.
As the legal proceedings related to Ramirez’s detention continue to unfold, it remains to be seen how these enforcement actions will evolve and the long-term effects they will have on families and communities across the country.
