A U.S. citizen from Montebello, California, recently shared his unsettling experience after being detained by federal immigration agents during an operation in June. Javier Ramirez, who was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), expressed ongoing fear following his detention, which lasted several days before authorities dropped the case against him.
The incident occurred on June 12, 2025, when Ramirez was surrounded by ICE agents near a tow yard where he worked. Despite informing the agents of his citizenship, he was taken into custody and transported from the scene in an unmarked vehicle. The charges against him, which were dismissed without prejudice last month, could potentially be refiled by prosecutors in the future.
Ramirez described a lingering anxiety since the arrest. “I have been looking over my shoulder ever since,” he remarked. The case drew significant attention, particularly after video of his detention circulated widely on social media.
He recounted the moments leading up to his arrest, stating, “As long as you look Mexican, they would come up to you and just take you.” He further explained that his instinct was to raise his hands and declare he was not a threat. “They still went at me,” he added, highlighting the fear that grips him whenever he encounters law enforcement.
Ramirez’s family located him approximately 22 hours after his arrest, and he made a federal court appearance just four days later. “I’m pretty much traumatized by everything,” he said. “To be honest, I still feel a little bit scared.” As a father of four, the impact of this experience has left him shaken.
His legal team has indicated that they are considering potential litigation related to the incident, though they are withholding the security camera footage from the tow yard for now.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Department of Homeland Security were contacted for comments regarding Ramirez’s allegations but had not responded at the time of publication.
Federal immigration enforcement operations have intensified in Southern California, aligning with broader national policies under President Trump’s administration. These operations have targeted undocumented individuals, particularly those with violent crime convictions. In the current climate, many individuals, including asylum seekers and those awaiting immigration hearings, have found themselves caught in the crosshairs of these raids.
According to data from NBC News, nearly 56,600 migrants were taken into ICE custody since the beginning of President Trump’s second term, with approximately 29% having prior criminal convictions and 11.9% fast-tracked for deportation. The ongoing operations have raised concerns about their impact on immigrant communities and the methods used by federal agents.
As Ramirez continues to navigate the aftermath of his detention, his case serves as a poignant reminder of the human consequences of immigration enforcement strategies in the United States.
