Federal Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducted enforcement operations in Downey Saturday, as ICE opponents protested around Southern California against the death of a woman fatally wounded by an ICE agent in Minneapolis and a man shot to death by an off-duty ICE agent in Northridge.
The city of Downey did not provide details of the operations because federal agencies are not required to report their actions to cities, according to an official Downey statement.
The city noted its police department does not assist or collaborate with ICE, neither does it interfere or obstruct federal law enforcement activities, adding that police officers were prepared to respond to any illegal or unsafe activity that might arise. “Our priority is the safety and dignity of every member of our community, said Mayor Claudia M. Frometa. “We support the rule of law while ensuring that the rights of all residents are upheld.
“Our immigrant neighbors are an essential part of our city’s life,” Frometa said. “We encourage the community to review the city’s `Know-your-rights’ webpage and ask for cooperation in maintaining a safe environment for all by not interfering in federal operations.”
It was unclear if the ICE operations had concluded, or were still ongoing.