Man reportedly fleeing Immigration raid at Monrovia Home Depot fatally struck on 210 Freeway (Photo – KGEM TV, CommunityMediaOfTheFoothills)
A man, later identified as Roberto Carlos Montoya Valdez, lost his life on the 210 Freeway in Monrovia during what witnesses say was an immigration raid gone wrong, prompting immediate outrage from local leaders and renewed calls to end aggressive federal enforcement actions in Southern California.
By News Desk
In a public statement released Thursday, Monrovia City Manager Dylan Feik confirmed that at approximately 9:43 am, a Monrovia Police Department officer responded to a call reporting possible Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity near Home Depot at 1625 South Mountain Avenue. According to the City, the officer observed ICE agents conducting enforcement activities on-site, but Monrovia officials were not informed about the nature of the operation.
“The City does not have information about the ICE operation, whether individuals were arrested/detained, or names of individuals involved,” Feik stated.
During the incident, one person fled on foot, crossing Evergreen Avenue and entering the eastbound lanes of the 210 Freeway. At 9:52 am, Monrovia Fire & Rescue responded to a call reporting a vehicle collision involving a pedestrian. The man was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital, where he later died.
Feik added that the California Highway Patrol is conducting a traffic investigation and confirmed that “there is no ongoing ICE activity reported in Monrovia at this time.”
“While we understand community members want to know more about the incident, the information provided in this update is all the City has to provide at this time,” the statement read. Feik also asked the public not to call the Monrovia Police Department seeking updates, warning that such calls “delay responses to ongoing emergencies.”
“How many more brown-skinned people have to die before the President will obey the law?”
In response to the fatal incident, State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez (D–Pasadena) issued a scathing statement condemning the federal government.
“President T.’s terror campaign has taken another life,” said Senator Pérez. “My heart goes out to the family of the man killed today on the 210 freeway in my district.”
The senator referenced a federal court ruling that had issued a temporary restraining order against so-called “roving” immigration raids across the Central District of California, which includes Los Angeles County. Pérez alleged that the administration has continued these types of enforcement actions in defiance of that order.
The event has stirred deep concern in Monrovia and surrounding communities, particularly among immigrants and advocates already uneasy over continued ICE operations in Southern California.
“There is such incredible fear in our immigrant communities,” Pérez continued. “People will run into freeway traffic out of fear when all they want is a chance to support their family and seek the American Dream.”
Despite the ruling, Pérez alleges that the T. Administration has continued these enforcement actions, defying court orders and putting lives at risk.
“These violent, sweeping raids should not be happening,” Pérez stated. “How many more brown-skinned people have to die before the President will obey the law?”
Pérez concluded her remarks by calling on lawmakers to unite behind comprehensive immigration reform.
“There is a better way. Comprehensive immigration reform that both parties work on is the only solution,” she said. “I renew my call to pursue this path and stop the terror.”
Rallies and vigils
Following the man’s death, immigration advocates and civil rights groups held a vigil at 7:00 pm and are planning another in Monrovia on Friday, August 15, at 5:30 pm. A rally is also scheduled in Pasadena on Saturday, August 16, at 9:00 am [read more], as they demand accountability and call for an end to what they describe as “terrorizing” immigration practices
The tragic death adds to a growing list of clashes between federal immigration authorities and California officials over enforcement practices, racial profiling, and immigrant rights.
[This article has been updated to include references to a statement from the Monrovia City Manager and rallies.]
Can someone please explain why this publication doesn’t spell the full name Trump and instead goes with “T.”?
A man deserved a death penalty for working in America?