Months after the nation's first sustained immigration raids hit Los Angeles, the city hosted the first congressional field hearing on their impact -- a process set in motion after One LA-IAF leaders met with Mayor Karen Bass and pressed for public hearings to document widespread civil rights violations.
Before the hearing, Mayor Bass marched with One LA leaders, clergy, and families to the LA Metropolitan Water District, where the hearing convened. LA Auxiliary Bishop Matthew Elshoff also joined the procession.
Investigation Sparked by One LA’s Leadership
At the hearing, Rep. Robert Garcia announced a broad congressional investigation into unlawful detentions of US citizens and immigrants with legal status. One LA was credited for initiating the demand for federal review. Members of Congress from Texas and Arizona joined the session, signaling national concern about the pattern of enforcement.
Leaders Testify to the Human and Institutional Impact
Ortencia Ramirez of San Gabriel Mission, speaking on behalf of One LA, testified about repeated ICE raids on the car wash near her parish — incidents that led to the detention of immigrants with valid work visas and even a U.S. citizen.
"It's just so inhumane the way they're being treated, being hurt physically emotionally... Business is down, some of the businesses are having to close, and it's not just affecting one place that they're raiding but all the businesses around them."
Two other leaders testified at the hearing: Rev. Joey Evangelista, whose parish closes its gate at every Mass to make it harder for federal agents to enter their sanctuary, and Agustin Mena, an assistant principal who witnessed a tamales vendor brutally accosted on the street.
Organizing Toward Accountability
The hearing marks a significant step in building a public record and advancing real accountability. Hearings like this are part of One LA's two-pronged approach: Freedom Schools to ensure people understand their rights and obligations as citizens, and strategic documentation of civil and human rights abuses. One LA pledges to continue organizing with families, congregations, and community institutions to ensure constitutional protections and respectful treatment for all Angelenos.
'An American Nightmare': LA Hosts First Congressional Hearing on Effect of Immigration Raids, Los Angeles Times
LA Clergy Join Immigration Advocates Before Congressional ICE Hearing, Angelus News
Lawmakers launch probe into possible civil rights violations by immigration agents, Spectrum News
Mayor Bass, Rep. García Convene Congressional Hearing on LA Immigration Raids, FOX 11 News
