Federal immigration agents detained at least two people late Friday evening outside Adventist White Memorial Hospital in Boyle Heights, where protesters had gathered after reports of immigration enforcement activity, according to rapid response groups. Protesters remained at the hospital into the early hours of Saturday, where immigration agents maintained a large presence.
It appears the incident began after people witnessed someone being detained and taken into the hospital before a crowd of protesters came to rally against ICE agents, according to Raquel Roman, executive director of Proyecto Pastoral and member of the Boyle Heights Immigrant Rights Network.
That’s when ICE agents detained two protesters who are U.S. citizens, Roman said.
Video posted on social media appears to show one person being detained. In the video, at least three officers in tactical vests are seen detaining someone at the intersection of Boyle and Pennsylvania Avenues around 11:30 p.m.
A group of about six more officers in tactical vests and masks can be seen walking around the area as another, whose vest says “Police ICE,” yells at the person recording to “back up” and “do not impede with the arrest.”
“You’re arresting U.S. citizens,” the person recording says. “18 USC 111, they’re interfering,” the officer replies, referring to Title 18, Section 111 of the U.S. Code: Assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers or employees.
In the video, a bystander who says the person being arrested is his brother can be seen speaking to the officer.
“Your brother assaulted a federal agent. He’s being arrested for assaulting a federal agent, he’s coming with us,” the officer tells them.
The Los Angeles Police Department was first called to the scene at 11:59 p.m. to respond to a “large group causing a disturbance,” according to LAPD Officer Norma Eisenman. LAPD responded again at 2:24 a.m. as crowds continued to gather outside of the hospital.
“Officers responded to maintain public safety and keep the peace. At no point did LAPD officers assist federal immigration authorities with enforcement activities or detain any individuals in connection with immigration enforcement,” Eisenman said.
Video posted on social media by Izzy Ramirez shows a line of agents blocking the emergency loading dock around 2:30 a.m. as a crowd yells at the agents.
“It was horrible for the local community. The ICE presence was a lot more than I’ve seen it visibly before,” said Roman.
ICE activity was also reported near Mariachi Plaza at 5:50 a.m. Saturday, according to witnesses.
Boyle Heights Beat reached out to the Department of Homeland Security and Adventist White Memorial for more information about the incident but has not yet received a response.
Doctors at Adventist White Memorial last year reported that ICE agents were violating the privacy rights of detained patients and prohibiting contact with patients’ family members. While the hospital released guidelines to protect patients and support staff, doctors and advocates have said they fall short.
This a developing story and will be updated.
