pregnant US Citizen’s ICE Arrest in Los Angeles Sparks ‌Outrage

⁢Updated June 12, 2025

A pregnant U.S. citizen,Cary Lopez,was hospitalized with stomach pains after being arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Hawthorne,California,part of Los Angeles County. Lopez, who was in her ninth month of pregnancy, was later released. The incident, captured on ⁤video, occurred​ during an ⁢ICE operation targeting undocumented workers.

Lopez, her husband, her cousin, and a coworker were arrested‌ outside their workplace. ⁢Lopez ⁤said she attempted to prevent the agents from entering the property. “I ‍was blocking the doors because they were trying to forcibly open them,” Lopez told ​NBC4, adding that she informed⁢ the⁣ agents they were on​ private property.

Following the arrest, Lopez experienced sharp stomach ⁤pains ⁢and sought medical attention. The incident comes amid increased ICE activity in the Los Angeles area, including large-scale workplace raids targeting undocumented individuals. ‍these immigration enforcement actions have led to protests and escalating tensions, prompting the federal government ⁢to deploy the National Guard and ⁣U.S. Marines.

Critics argue​ that ​the incident reflects a pattern of mistreatment by⁣ ICE, especially toward pregnant women. They point to a recent report from the Idaho State Journal detailing a similar incident in wich ICE ⁢agents allegedly smashed the windows of a vehicle and used⁢ a⁤ stun gun⁤ while arresting two undocumented men in front of a pregnant woman, Kayla Somarriba.

Advocates also highlight policy changes by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that have quietly repealed protections for pregnant women, postpartum ⁣women, and infants in migrant detention, including access to specialized medical care and resources.

“I was blocking the doors because they were trying‍ to forcibly open them, but I told them they were ​on private property,” Lopez told NBC4.

Iris Dayana Monterroso-Lemus, who experienced a stillbirth while in ICE custody in Louisiana, ‍told The Nashville Banner that she pleaded with staff for medical attention ‍for days. “They didn’t give me medical attention — nowhere. Not in‌ Louisiana, not in Alabama.I was in Alabama too,sleeping on the floor,” she said.

What’s next

The incident involving Lopez is likely to fuel further debate over immigration policy and ICE’s enforcement⁤ tactics, particularly concerning the treatment ⁤of⁤ vulnerable populations. Legal challenges and continued protests are anticipated as the situation unfolds.