Man Detained by Alleged ICE Agents Outside LA Courthouse

A man was forcibly taken from outside a Los Angeles courthouse on Wednesday by individuals claiming to be with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), prompting widespread condemnation. The incident, captured on video, shows the man, identified as Steven Reyes, struggling and crying for help as he is pushed into an unmarked vehicle. This event has raised significant concerns about the implications of such actions for the judicial process and immigrant rights.

The video, obtained by the Los Angeles Times, depicts a chaotic scene outside the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center. Witnesses observed Reyes being carried away with his hands restrained, while he repeatedly shouted, “Can you help me, please?” as he was forcibly placed into the back seat of the car. The individuals detaining him were in plainclothes, with some wearing masks, leading to questions about their authority and actions.

Sergio C. Tapia II, the presiding judge of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, expressed his dismay over the incident. In an official statement, he criticized the operation, stating, “These intimidating and unnecessary displays undermine public trust in the justice system.” Judge Tapia emphasized that such actions could deter individuals from seeking justice, sending a troubling message to immigrant communities about their safety in legal settings.

Reyes was reportedly attending a court appearance related to a state felony charge of possession of illegal drugs with the intent to sell. He had pleaded not guilty to the charge on July 31, 2023, and was currently free on his own recognizance. The Los Angeles County Alternate Public Defender’s Office, which represents Reyes, confirmed his legal status but did not explicitly state if the detained individual was indeed him. A spokesperson, Jenny Cheng, condemned the actions of those detaining Reyes, describing them as a clear violation of due process.

“As alleged ICE agents, without a warrant or any explanation, deprived our client of his liberty without due process,” Cheng stated. “It shocks the conscience to see any human violently abducted by a group of mostly masked unidentified individuals.” She further argued that such aggressive actions threaten the integrity of the court system and discourage participation in legal proceedings.

The incident occurred against a backdrop of increasing ICE operations at courthouses, a practice that has escalated since the Trump administration rescinded previous guidelines limiting immigration enforcement in those settings. In recent months, masked law enforcement officials have been observed detaining individuals at courthouses across the United States, which immigrant rights advocates argue reflects a dangerous trend of enforcement expanding into spaces once considered safe for vulnerable populations.

A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) defended the agency’s approach, stating that courthouse arrests are a matter of “common sense.” In a May news release, Tricia McLaughlin, a DHS spokesperson, argued that these arrests conserve law enforcement resources and enhance safety for officers and the community. Critics, however, contend that such operations undermine the foundational principles of justice, particularly for immigrant communities.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, which is prosecuting Reyes in the drug case, stated that it had no prior knowledge of the detention and did not play a role in the incident. Their statement emphasized that detaining a defendant before the judicial process concludes interferes with the pursuit of justice.

As the situation unfolds, questions about Reyes’ current status remain unanswered. CNN has reached out to ICE for clarification on whether Reyes is in custody, the nature of the charges he faces, and the location of his detention. The lack of response from ICE and the Department of Homeland Security raises further concerns about transparency and accountability in such operations.

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement and the judicial system, as well as the broader implications for immigrant rights in the United States. The call for clarity and justice continues, as advocates and legal representatives seek answers regarding the treatment of individuals like Reyes within the legal framework.