The sons of a woman who was detained by federal agents in a video that’s widely circulated on social media spoke at a vigil on Monday, denouncing the action.
Rosalina Vargas was taken by federal agents Saturday morning during an operation near the intersection of Catalina Avenue and Del Mar Boulevard. Video showed a struggle between Vargas’ family and the agents as they attempted to detain her. In the footage, Vargas’ son could be heard repeatedly asking the agents for a warrant as they gathered near a car on the street. The video ends with a woman asking the person recording the video to call the police.
The city of Pasadena said in a statement that police were called to the area after receiving a report of suspicious activity at the intersection. The city confirmed the agents were with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and officers verified their identification.
“… PPD did not assist ICE in the apprehension as PPD was solely there for the call for service,” the city’s statement read. “Pasadena Fire was called to evaluate the adult female detainee and she was treated on scene and did not wish to go to the hospital. The detainee’s family was very cooperative in diffusing the situation. PPD remained on scene to provide for public safety as a small group gathered.”
In response to the detainment, a vigil was held in Vargas’ honor as a way for the community to stand in solidarity with her and her family. The National Day Laborer Organizing Network organized the vigil and condemned the woman’s detainment.
“This is an outrage and all of these actions are inhumane,” Alejandro Vargas, Rosalina’s son, said. “We need to speak out about this; this is not OK.”
“My mother is a hardworking single mother who works tirelessly to make a better future for me and my brother,” Bayardo Vargas, another son of Rosalina, said with his voice shaking.
At the vigil, attendees held signs and chanted for change. They called for the release of Rosalina and the end of these operations.
“Watching these people who don’t even look officials or like they’re part of the government tear this family apart – I’ve never seen anything worse in my life,” said Jillian Reed, who recorded the video of Rosalina’s detainment.
Reed said she was driving south on Catalina Avenue when she heard people calling out for help. That’s when she pulled over and began recording.
“These policies, no matter what people’s opinions are on immigration … if people saw what I saw, no one would support that,” Reed said.
Rosalina’s sons said they’ve been able to contact their mother.