Man Detained Outside LA Courthouse Sparks Outcry Over ICE Actions

A man was forcibly taken by individuals claiming to be from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) outside the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday. Video footage shows the man, identified as Steven Reyes, struggling as he was carried into an unmarked car while calling for help. This incident has prompted strong condemnation from local judicial officials and Reyes’s legal representatives, who argue that such actions undermine public trust in the legal system.

The video, obtained by the Los Angeles Times, depicts a chaotic scene where Reyes, with his hands bound behind his back, repeatedly cries out, “Can you help me, please?” Witnesses observed as plainclothes individuals, some wearing masks, forcefully placed him in the vehicle. Reyes was at the courthouse for a hearing related to a state felony charge of possessing illegal drugs with intent to sell. Court records indicate he had pleaded not guilty to the charge on July 31, 2023, and was free on his own recognizance.

In a statement addressing the incident, Sergio C. Tapia II, presiding judge of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, expressed deep concern over the implications of such enforcement actions. He stated, “These intimidating and unnecessary displays undermine public trust in the justice system and send a dangerous message to immigrant communities that they are not safe to fully and freely participate in the legal process.”

The individuals involved in the detention did not provide a clear explanation for their actions. When questioned by an onlooker about their affiliation with ICE, one individual acknowledged their role. He briefly displayed what appeared to be a badge resembling a Homeland Security Investigations badge, although the footage did not capture the details clearly. ICE and the Department of Homeland Security have not responded to inquiries regarding the specifics of Reyes’s detention, including his legal status and current whereabouts.

The increase in courthouse arrests has emerged as a contentious issue under recent policy shifts. Previously, ICE operations near courthouses were restricted, but guidelines were rescinded during the Trump administration, allowing for greater enforcement. Critics argue that this shift has led to fears within immigrant communities, deterring individuals from seeking legal recourse or attending court.

According to Jenny Cheng, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Alternate Public Defender’s Office, the actions taken against Reyes were alarming. She stated, “These alleged ICE agents, without a warrant or any explanation, clearly deprived our client of his liberty without due process. Such aggressive ICE abductions threaten the integrity of the court system and discourage participation.”

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, responsible for prosecuting Reyes, stated that it had no prior knowledge of the detention and emphasized that such actions interfere with the judicial process. “Detaining a defendant before the judicial process has concluded is not to the advantage of the pursuit of justice,” a representative said in a statement.

As the situation unfolds, it underscores a broader trend of immigration enforcement extending into environments previously viewed as safe spaces for individuals seeking justice. The implications of such actions continue to raise significant concerns among legal experts and advocacy groups, highlighting the complex intersection of immigration policy and the judicial system.