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US citizen arrested during Ice raid in what family describes as ‘kidnapping’

The Guardian
(5 months ago)
Dani Anguiano
US immigrationLos AngelesDonald TrumpUS domestic policyCaliforniaUnited StatesWest Coast

AI Summary

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Andrea Velez, a 32-year-old US citizen and Cal Poly Pomona graduate, was arrested by federal immigration agents during an ICE raid in downtown Los Angeles, an incident her family describes as a 'kidnapping.' Witnesses claim agents did not ask for identification and that Velez did nothing wrong, suggesting she was targeted due to her skin color. Her family was unaware of her whereabouts for over a day until attorneys located her. Authorities have not specified charges, but a Department of Homeland Security official stated she was arrested for assaulting an ICE officer. This incident is part of a broader trend where numerous US citizens have been erroneously arrested or deported by ICE between 2015 and 2020, amidst the Trump administration's intensified immigration crackdown.

Trending
  1. 1 Tuesday (before June 26, 2025): Andrea Velez arrested during an ICE raid in downtown Los Angeles
  2. 2 Family searches for Velez for over a day
  3. 3 Attorneys locate Velez
  4. 4 2015-2020: Government report finds ICE erroneously deported at least 70 US citizens, arrested 674, and detained 121
  • Andrea Velez's arrest and detention
  • Family distress and difficulty locating her
  • Allegations of racial profiling and improper arrest by ICE
  • Highlighting of a broader issue of US citizens being erroneously arrested/deported by ICE
What: Andrea Velez, a US citizen, was arrested by federal immigration agents during an ICE raid.
When: Tuesday (before June 26, 2025); family unaware of whereabouts for over a day; government report covers 2015-2020.
Where: Downtown Los Angeles, California, United States.
Why: Family and witnesses allege Velez was targeted due to her skin color and that agents did not ask for identification. A DHS official stated she was arrested for assaulting an ICE officer. This incident reflects a broader pattern of US citizens being caught in immigration crackdowns.
How: Federal immigration agents grabbed Velez as she was dropped off at work.

People

Andrea VelezEstrella RosasMargarita FloresDominique BoubionTrump

Organizations

ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement)Cal Poly PomonaABC7CBS Los AngelesDepartment of Homeland SecurityTrump administration

Locations

United States Los Angeles Greater Los Angeles Area

Andrea Velez, a 32-year-old US citizen and Cal Poly Pomona graduate, was arrested by federal immigration agents during an ICE raid in downtown Los Angeles, an incident her family describes as a 'kidnapping.' Witnesses claim agents did not ask for identification and that Velez did nothing wrong, suggesting she was targeted due to her skin color. Her family was unaware of her whereabouts for over a day until attorneys located her. Authorities have not specified charges, but a Department of Homeland Security official stated she was arrested for assaulting an ICE officer. This incident is part of a broader trend where numerous US citizens have been erroneously arrested or deported by ICE between 2015 and 2020, amidst the Trump administration's intensified immigration crackdown.