ICE Defends Arrests of Mother and Son in California, Citing Criminal Histories
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has responded to mounting criticism surrounding the arrests of a mother and son in El Monte, California, by disclosing their respective criminal records. The arrests, which took place on February 24, have sparked outrage in the local community and drawn condemnation from political figures, particularly Representative Gil Cisneros, who represents the district.
The family of Yolanda Perez and her son, Jonathan Tejeda-Perez, claim that ICE agents apprehended them near their home without presenting a warrant. Xitali Tejeda, Yolanda’s daughter, recounted the events to Fox Los Angeles, stating that her mother was targeted while moving her car for street sweeping, and her brother intervened, leading to his arrest as well. Video footage captured Yolanda Perez’s distress as she was being detained, pleading, "They’re going to take me."
The family has emphasized that Yolanda Perez has no criminal record and serves as the primary caregiver for her 21-year-old daughter, who is battling cancer and unable to walk. This information has resonated with the community, which has rallied to support the family during this difficult time.
Representative Cisneros has been a vocal critic of the arrests, describing them as "sickening" and expressing "grave concerns" about the manner in which they were carried out. He highlighted the significant contributions of immigrant families in his district to the local economy and community, emphasizing that the El Monte family was simply striving to care for their ailing daughter and secure the necessary healthcare treatments.
Cisneros condemned the practice of "stoking fear, targeting our community members, and ripping apart families," asserting that it is not an acceptable solution to the nation’s immigration challenges. He advocated for humane comprehensive immigration reform that addresses problematic actors while upholding American values and providing a pathway out of the shadows for law-abiding immigrants.
In response to the growing controversy, ICE released a statement detailing the criminal histories of both Yolanda Perez and Jonathan Tejeda-Perez. According to ICE, Yolanda Perez entered the United States illegally at an unspecified time and date. She was arrested by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in July 2005 for theft.
Jonathan Tejeda-Perez, who also entered the U.S. illegally, has a more extensive record, including multiple arrests for drug-related offenses, driving without a license, and theft. ICE reported that he was arrested by the sheriff’s department for possession of a controlled substance, possession of unlawful paraphernalia, and driving without a license in 2014, as well as for possession of a controlled substance in 2015, and possession of unlawful paraphernalia and driving without a license in 2016. In 2017, he was arrested by the Arcadia Police Department for possession of a controlled substance, the Los Angeles Police Department for property theft, and the United States Postal Inspection Service for theft or receipt of stolen mail. He was subsequently convicted for theft or receipt of stolen mail.
ICE confirmed that both mother and son are currently being detained pending immigration proceedings. The agency stated that the operation was consistent with the Trump administration’s policy of prioritizing the arrest and deportation of criminal illegal immigrants.
The arrests and subsequent revelations have ignited a debate about the balance between enforcing immigration laws and upholding humanitarian principles. Supporters of ICE’s actions argue that the agency is fulfilling its mandate to remove individuals who pose a threat to public safety. Critics, on the other hand, contend that the focus on deportation overlooks the contributions of immigrants and the devastating impact of family separations.
The case also underscores the complexities of the immigration system and the need for comprehensive reform. Lawmakers and advocates on both sides of the issue agree that the current system is broken, but they differ on the best approach to fix it. Some favor stricter enforcement measures and increased border security, while others prioritize creating pathways to legal status for undocumented immigrants who have established roots in the country and contribute to the economy.
The fate of Yolanda Perez and Jonathan Tejeda-Perez remains uncertain as they navigate the immigration court system. Their case serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of immigration policies and the urgent need for a more humane and effective approach to immigration reform.
