ICE Agents Accused of Lawless Tactics in Pasadena

A video screengrab (Photo – Judy Chu YouTube channel)

A newly surfaced video from June 18 has ignited widespread outrage after capturing disturbing scenes involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at the intersection of Los Robles and Orange Grove in Pasadena.

By New Desk

The footage shows ICE officers driving recklessly through residential streets, aiming weapons at civilians, and reportedly failing to present warrants or identify themselves, actions that many have decried as serious violations of the law.

Community members and advocates warn that these aggressive tactics threaten public safety and go far beyond targeting undocumented immigrants. “These chaotic and dangerous tactics put entire communities at risk,” said one local resident who viewed the footage. “This is not just an immigration issue, it’s a public safety crisis.”

In response, Congresswoman Judy Chu, who represents the district, attempted to visit the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles where several Pasadena residents caught in the raids were allegedly being held. Despite her legal authority as a Member of Congress, she was denied entry by federal officials.

“These raids aren’t targeting criminals, they’re indiscriminately targeting workplaces, community institutions, and family homes,” said Rep. Chu. “They’re rounding up people who contribute to our communities and keep our economy running. I’ve heard from countless constituents who are sick with worry. I will not stop fighting for our immigrant communities and their right to due process.”

Rep. Chu has been leading multiple oversight efforts in response to the Trump administration’s latest immigration enforcement actions. On June 8, after learning that detainees were being transferred to the controversial Adelanto ICE Processing Center, she joined Reps. Gil Cisneros and Derek Tran in an oversight visit, only to be unlawfully denied access.

Following the incident, Chu sent a formal letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons on June 13, demanding answers and accountability.

A subsequent visit on June 17 with Reps. Linda Sánchez, Mark Takano, Sydney Kamlager-Dove, and Luz Rivas allowed entry into the facility. However, what the delegation discovered raised further alarm. Detainees reported days without clean clothing, limited access to phones, and inability to contact legal counsel, conditions Chu described as “deeply disturbing” and indicative of inhumane treatment.

Chu has long advocated for the closure of the Adelanto facility, citing its record of human rights abuses and multiple deaths in custody.

The timing of these ICE raids has drawn particular criticism, coming just as the Pasadena community was recovering from the devastating Eaton Fire, which claimed 18 lives and scorched more than 14,000 acres.

“Just as we began to rebuild and look toward recovery, the Trump administration chose to unleash a wave of vile ICE raids on our neighborhoods,” said Rep. Chu. “This isn’t about public safety, it’s about fear and cruelty.”

As community outrage grows and elected officials demand answers, questions continue to mount over the legality and motivations behind the recent escalation in immigration enforcement across Southern California.