At a Glance
- Roughly 200 people gathered at Alhambra City Hall to oppose police cooperation with federal immigration agents.
- The rally followed a viral Jan. 19 video showing an Alhambra Police Department cruiser interrupting a citizen filming federal agents.
- Police said they had no prior knowledge of the agents and cleared the scene 5 minutes after arrival.
- Why it matters: The incident raises questions about local law-enforcement roles in federal immigration enforcement.
The city of Alhambra was the scene of a heated protest Monday as residents demanded that the police department stop collaborating with federal immigration agencies. The rally was sparked by a viral video from Jan. 19 in which a citizen filming federal agents was cut off by an Alhambra Police Department cruiser. The police statement and community reactions reveal a clash over how local law-enforcement should engage with federal immigration enforcement.
The Video Incident
On Jan. 19, activist Angelica Vargas filmed federal agents near the intersection of Garfield Boulevard and Valley Avenue. While filming, Vargas asked a police officer if the department was working with the federal agents; the officer denied it. Moments later, a federal agent approached Vargas and questioned her citizenship.
Vargas later described the experience at the rally:
> “These federal agents, these federal agents were getting access to me. They questioned my citizenship and basically intimidated me.”
The video spread quickly on social media, prompting a public outcry. The footage captured the exact moment the police cruiser separated Vargas’s vehicle from the agents’ vehicle.
Police Response
The Alhambra Police Department issued a statement that the officers involved “assisted with keeping the peace and confirmed no immigration enforcement was taking place at the scene.” The department also said:
> “Shortly after PD arrival, both parties went their separate ways. Our officers cleared five minutes after arrival. Our officers had no prior knowledge that Federal agents were in the City.”
In the same statement, the department reaffirmed its compliance with the California Values Act (SB 54). It added:
> “The Alhambra Police Department fully complies with the California Values Act (SB 54). Our priority remains with protecting all residents and fostering community trust by ensuring that fear of immigration status does not prevent anyone from reporting crimes, serving as a witness, or seeking police assistance.”
The department’s claim of no prior knowledge of the agents was questioned by community members who said the video showed clear evidence of federal presence.
Community Reaction
Roughly 200 people attended the rally at City Hall. The protest included a public comment period where residents voiced frustration with the police’s handling of the incident. Luis Carrillo, Vargas’s attorney, stated that the group is now exploring potential legal actions against the city and the police department.
> “We are now looking into what legal actions we can possibly take against Alhambra and its police department,” Carrillo said.
The rally’s participants highlighted concerns about trust between the community and law-enforcement. Many expressed fear that collaboration with federal immigration agencies could deter residents from reporting crimes or seeking assistance.
Legal and Policy Context
The California Values Act (SB 54) requires local law-enforcement agencies to refrain from cooperating with federal immigration authorities. The Alhambra Police Department’s statement emphasized full compliance with this law.
The incident raises questions about the enforcement of SB 54 and how local agencies interpret “cooperation” with federal entities. The community’s demand for transparency reflects broader national debates over local-federal immigration enforcement partnerships.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Jan. 19 | Angelica Vargas films federal agents; police cruiser intervenes. |
| Monday (date unspecified) | Approximately 200 residents rally at City Hall demanding police policy change. |
| Post-rally | Luis Carrillo announces potential legal action. |
Key Takeaways
- A viral Jan. 19 video sparked a protest of roughly 200 people in Alhambra.
- The police department claims no prior knowledge of federal agents and complied with the California Values Act.
- Community members, led by Vargas’s attorney, are considering legal action.
- The incident underscores ongoing tensions over local police cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
The Alhambra Police Department’s statement and the community’s response illustrate a growing demand for clear boundaries between local law-enforcement and federal immigration agencies. The outcome of any legal action will likely influence how the city navigates this delicate balance in the future.
