Community Organizer: ICE Agents, Fascist Tactics, U.S. Citizen Arrest
Los Angeles community Patrols Mobilize to Counter ICE Raids,Accusations Fly Against Local Police
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Los Angeles communities are taking matters into thier own hands,organizing neighborhood patrols to monitor for and respond to potential Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity. The movement, spearheaded by groups like Unión del barrio, aims to provide a rapid response network to document ICE operations and offer support to vulnerable families, notably as schools reopen amidst ongoing fears of increased enforcement.
Community-Led Defense Against ICE
Ron Gochez, of Unión del Barrio, described the patrols as a proactive measure to safeguard communities. “We drive around our neighborhoods,looking for any type of suspicious vehicles or any type of ICE activity,so that we can document and then alert the community,” Gochez explained in a recent interview with Democracy Now!.”So that our people have the chance to defend themselves, protect themselves and their families from being kidnapped.”
The organization emphasizes a non-violent approach, operating within legal boundaries with guidance from a dedicated legal team. “We don’t advocate for violence. We don’t break any laws,” Gochez asserted. “We train people, and we’re all over Los Angeles. And there isn’t – there isn’t a corner in the city where an ICE raid can happen where we won’t know about it in less than five minutes.”
This rapid response capability allows members to deploy quickly to document ICE activity and provide a visible presence of support for the community. The patrols are particularly focused on protecting families and children as the school year begins. “As a teacher right now,we’re getting ready to go back to school…thereS a lot of fear on the part of students,parents and teachers,” Gochez stated. “We have to get our city ready, as we certainly know that these ICE raids, even though they did slow down a bit, they have continued, and we have to defend ourselves. We have to be organized in case anything happens near one of our schools.”
Accusations of Police Collaboration with ICE
while California Attorney General Rob Bonta has pursued legal challenges against Trump-era immigration policies, Unión del Barrio alleges a disturbing level of collaboration between local law enforcement – specifically the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department – and ICE.
Gochez directly accused the LAPD and sheriffs of providing “complete collaboration” with ICE raids, going beyond simply sharing details. “They protect – they do logistical protection for the operations,” he claimed. This assertion paints a picture of local authorities actively facilitating ICE enforcement, despite California’s reputation as a sanctuary state.
This claim represents a notable point of contention,highlighting a potential disconnect between state-level legal battles and on-the-ground realities. Gochez framed the community patrols as a necessary complement to courtroom victories. “While the legal folks are fighting in the courtrooms, we’re fighting in the streets. And while they’re having winning battles in the courtroom, we’re winning battles in the streets.”
The Role of Community in the Face of Uncertainty
The rise of these community patrols underscores a growing sense of distrust towards official channels and a determination to protect vulnerable populations. The organization’s efforts are rooted in a deep commitment to community self-defense and a belief that direct action is essential in the face of perceived threats.As fears surrounding ICE activity persist, particularly with the start of the school year, these patrols represent a localized, grassroots response to a complex and emotionally charged issue. The situation continues to evolve, and the allegations of police collaboration demand further scrutiny and transparency.More information and a Spanish-language interview with Ron Gochez can be found at democracynow.org.