Activists Demand Due Process for Detained Day Laborers in Pomona
In Pomona, California, immigrant rights activists are rallying for justice after several day laborers were apprehended during a federal raid. The activists contend that these workers are being denied their fundamental rights under U.S. law.
Background of the Incident
On April 22, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents detained at least ten day laborers outside a Home Depot, where they were seeking employment. This incident has raised significant concerns among community members and activists, who view it as an unjust targeting of innocent individuals.
Footage captured during the raid shows Border Patrol vehicles encircling the parking lot as the workers were taken away to an undisclosed location. Following the event, activists organized a press conference outside Pomona City Hall on Tuesday, pressing for transparency and answers regarding the circumstances of the detentions.
Legal Concerns Raised
During a court hearing for three of the detained laborers—Jesus Domingo Ros, Edwin Juarez, and Johnny Garcia—Alexis Teodoro, the Worker Rights Director at the Pomona Economic Opportunity Center, emphasized that an immigration judge typically assesses two criteria for bond hearings: the risk of flight and public safety threats. However, Teodoro reported that ICE officials claimed the local immigration judge had no authority to conduct a bond hearing due to the workers allegedly residing in the U.S. for less than one year.
Teodoro refuted this assertion, stating that all three men have lived in the United States for over two years and deserve a chance to defend themselves before a judge. “Looking for work is not a crime. Waiting for a job opportunity outside a Home Depot isn’t a threat to anyone,” she stated.
Expert Insights
Arturo Burga, an immigration attorney practicing in the Inland Empire, elaborated on the potential ramifications for the detained workers. “If there is no evidence to demonstrate they have been in the country for more than two years, they may be rapidly subject to expedited removal,” he noted. However, if it can be proven they have lived in the U.S. for over a year, they will have the opportunity to contest deportation.
Concerns About Criminalization
In defense of the detained laborers, Teodoro insisted that many do not have criminal records. She called for their release and for the chance to attend a hearing, pinpointing a critical lapse in legal rights during the ongoing situation.
On the day of the raid, a CBP spokesperson stated that the operation focused on an individual with an active arrest warrant, noting that others were apprehended during the operation, some with prior criminal charges including immigration violations.
Next Steps
The community is not backing down; a follow-up court hearing is scheduled for May 9, and activists reiterate their call for justice. “We demand that their due process rights are respected and that they are at least given the opportunity to post bond,” Teodoro concluded, reinforcing the need for accountability within the immigration enforcement system.
As the situation unfolds, both community advocates and legal experts continue to monitor developments to ensure that the rights of those detained are upheld.