Los Angeles Leaders Criticize ICE Conduct in North Hollywood Incident

Los Angeles leaders have voiced their concerns after a video surfaced showing a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent pointing a firearm at a bystander during a detainment operation in North Hollywood. The incident occurred on Friday, with cell phone footage capturing the moments leading to the confrontation.

In the video, a man is seen being taken by several masked agents before the bystander, walking with two dogs, picks up an object from the ground. Two agents quickly approached him, and one pushed him into bushes while holding a handgun. The bystander dropped the object immediately, prompting the agent to back away.

The footage continues with the dog walker shouting at the officers. One agent then approached him with what witnesses identified as pepper spray, causing the bystander to run. While fleeing, he picks up another object and throws it further down the street. The nature of these objects remains unclear.

The agents wore vests labeled “ICE Police” and were seen taking the detained individual to an unmarked SUV. The operation took place around 8:30 a.m. near the Ivy Apartments on Vineland Place and Otsego Street.

Damari Butler, a local resident, described the situation as intense. “He draws his gun and puts it right in the guy’s face,” Butler recounted. “That moment felt surreal, realizing the seriousness of the situation.”

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated to CBS LA that the agents arrested Angel Luis Gonzalez Lobo from Venezuela as part of a targeted operation. “He was issued a final order of removal by an immigration judge after not appearing for his court date. He will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings and will receive due process,” DHS confirmed.

DHS discussed the bystander incident, indicating he had pepper spray, contributing to “a moment of chaos.” According to DHS, “These actions created an unnecessarily dangerous environment for federal law enforcement as they performed their duties.”

L.A. city leaders addressed the incident after the video gained traction on social media. Mayor Karen Bass expressed concern, saying, “Every Angeleno deserves to feel safe. No one should live in fear due to their background or appearance.”

Congresswoman Luz Rivas called the video “horrifying,” accusing ICE of violating fundamental rights in the San Fernando Valley. “Families are being torn apart, and residents terrorized in their neighborhoods by masked agents. ICE must leave L.A. and be abolished,” Rivas stated.

Mayoral candidate and Los Angeles City Councilwoman Nithya Raman shared her views on social media. “LA should not be a ground for the Trump regime’s inhumane operations. Angelenos should not live in fear of daily activities,” Raman asserted.