Dozens of individuals, including Gabriel’s brother Jacob and Yurien Contreras’ father, Mario Romero, were arrested in immigration enforcement actions in Los Angeles over the weekend, sparking outrage and leading to the deployment of the national guard in the city. Families like Contreras’ are desperate for information and demand due process for their loved ones. The raids extended beyond the fashion district to places like Paramount and even outside schools.

Outside the Ambiance Apparel warehouse, families gathered to protest and seek the release of their detained relatives, many of whom were sole breadwinners or long-time workers in the garment district. The Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles also expressed dismay as 14 of their members were detained, preventing them from attending church on a significant day.

Lawyers are working tirelessly to locate the detainees, who were reportedly held in deplorable conditions without basic necessities. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed the arrests of 118 immigrants, some without criminal records. The raids, driven by officials like Tom Homan and Stephen Miller, are part of a broader effort to accelerate arrests and deportations.

The ACLU and immigration advocates are demanding humane treatment and legal access for all detainees. Some individuals were swiftly deported without proper documentation, raising concerns about due process violations. These raids have drawn criticism for potentially violating rights and disregarding legal injunctions against warrantless immigration stops.

In the face of these actions, advocates emphasize the importance of upholding basic human rights and the rule of law, calling on the public to be vigilant and respond to the impact on affected communities.