Immigration activists Monday are denouncing what they say is the continued presence of Immigration Customs Enforcement agents and contractors in the lobby of Dignity Health Glendale Memorial Hospital where a woman is recovering after suffering a medical emergency while being detained.
They identified the woman as Milagro Solis Portillo and said she was injured July 3 during an immigration enforcement operation outside a Sherman Oaks apartment complex.
Ahead of a Monday news conference, organizers said the presence of ICE agents was “creating a hostile and frightening environment for her, other patients, and hospital staff. Their presence is invasive and inappropriate in a medical setting. Milagro Solis Portillo deserves to heal in safety and dignity, free from intimidation and fear.”
ICE officials could not be reached for comment or to confirm their agents are waiting for the hospitalized woman.
It was also unclear why the woman was being detained or what caused her medical emergency.
In Alhambra, activists are planning to press City Council members to be more proactive in combating ICE actions in their community.
A 1:30 p.m. rally is scheduled before Monday’s Alhambra council meeting, with plans to then go inside to speak in favor of a resolution similar one adopted in June by Huntington Park’s elected officials which authorizes local law enforcenment to seek verification from people acting as immigration enforcement agents.
“As seen on countless social media posts, the police stand by idly as our community is getting kidnapped off the street — no warrants, no ID, no questions,” organizers said. ” … We need action as soon as possible, not more words and affirmations from our legislators.”
The rally and council presentation are being coordinated by members of the San Gabriel Progressive Alliance and the Alhambra Community Group.
Under the proposed resolution, Alhambra police would be required to:
— confirm the identity and legitimacy of individuals claiming to act as federal agents;
— enforce local laws and statutes accordingly, including issuing citations to agents if they break the law;
— verify warrants and take note of the scope, dates, person mentioned in the warrant and the signing judge;
— and restrict unjust unconstitutional searches, seizures and arrests if activities occur without a warrant.
Meanwhile, Homeland Security officials continue to encourage people in the country without legal standing to self-deport using the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Home App, which allows eligible individuals to notify CBP of their intent to depart the country, potentially avoiding detention and removal actions. Eligible people could receive travel assistance and a $1,000 “exit bonus.”
“We encourage every person here illegally to take advantage of this offer and reserve the chance to come back to the U.S. the right legal way to live the American dream. If not, you will be arrested and deported without a chance to return,” the department said.