Community Gathers in Alhambra After Woman’s Experience with Federal Agents and Local Police
Community Rallies Against Alhambra Police Collaboration with Immigration Agents
ALHAMBRA, CA – On Monday, around 200 community members and activists convened at Alhambra City Hall, urging local law enforcement to reject collaboration with federal immigration authorities. The rally was sparked by an incident in which an Alhambra police officer allegedly obstructed a local activist filming federal agents in the area.
The confrontation unfolded on January 19, when Angelica Vargas recorded a video that gained traction on social media. The footage shows an Alhambra Police Department cruiser intervening as Vargas documented the interactions between federal agents and local residents near the intersection of Garfield Boulevard and Valley Avenue.
In the video, after being cut off by the police, Vargas questioned the officers about their involvement with the federal agents, but was met with denial. Moments later, a federal agent approached her to inquire about her citizenship status. “These federal agents were getting access to me,” Vargas stated at the rally. “They questioned my citizenship and basically intimidated me."
In response to the rally, the Alhambra Police Department issued a statement denying any collaboration with federal agents. “Officers assisted with keeping the peace and confirmed no immigration enforcement was taking place at the scene,” the statement read. It added that police were unaware of the agents’ presence and that officers cleared the scene shortly after their arrival. The department emphasized its commitment to the California Values Act (SB 54) and its priority of ensuring community trust and safety for all residents.
Despite the police department’s reassurances, frustrations were palpable during City Hall’s public comment period. Luis Carrillo, an attorney representing Vargas, indicated that they are exploring potential legal actions against both Alhambra and its police department, signaling ongoing tensions between law enforcement and community members concerned about immigration enforcement practices.
