Over 500 Mexicans Detained in ICE Raids Across Los Angeles in Last Two Months, Consulate Says

More than 500 Mexican nationals have been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the Los Angeles area since June 6, according to the country’s consulate in Los Angeles. Roughly 20% of them—about 100 individuals—have already been deported, said Carlos González Gutiérrez, Mexican Consul in Los Angeles, to Univisión.

The Mexican Consulate has deployed resources to support affected individuals, particularly those who have lived in the United States for many years, the official added. “We are providing financial support to help cover portions of bail and attorney fees for our nationals,” González Gutiérrez told the news outlet.

The consulate reported receiving complaints during the early weeks of the raids regarding detention conditions. These included people sleeping on the floor due to a lack of beds, unsanitary bathrooms, overcrowding, insufficient food, and inadequate access to medication for chronic illnesses. While the number of complaints has decreased, the consulate noted that ICE continues to face challenges in managing the cases appropriately.

“One of the main obstacles for defense attorneys is the lack of timely information about the detainees, particularly the updating of their immigration registration number (“A number”), which hinders legal access” reads the Univision report. Additionally, bond hearings are reportedly taking more than a month to be scheduled, leaving many detainees in custody without having seen a judge.

Mexican consulates have been busy at work during the last few weeks across the United States. Last week, the offices in Orlando and Miami were able to secure the release of two Mexican brothers that were detained following a traffic stop and held at the Florida facility known as “Alligator Alcatraz.” Both were later released and returned to Mexico without charges.

The Mexican consul in Orlando, Juan Sabines, has also been busy warning Mexican nationals to exercise extreme caution if they are planning to travel to Florida. “They will detain you here for anything,” he said in a recent interview. “It’s a state that has more risks than other states … including for people with visas.”