The consul general of the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles confirmed that a Filipino was arrested by the United States’ Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) amid the large-scale immigration operations across the country.
Consul General Adelio Angelito Cruz told GMA Integrated News’ Unang Balita in an interview on Tuesday, June 10, that the consulate is “expecting” the Filipino, an immigrant who is facing theft and rape charges, “will be deported” to the Philippines.
“Siya po ay naaresto dahil isa po ito sa operasyon ng ICE. So sa bahay po siya inaresto kasama po ang ICE official at isang parole officer (He was arrested as part of the ICE operations. So, he was arrested at home by an ICE official and one parole officer),” the consul said.
He added that the family of the 55-year-old Filipino from Ontario, California was already informed about the arrest.
Cruz also clarified that the Filipino was not among those arrested in a raid outside the Home Depot center.
He assured that the consulate is ready to assist the arrested Filipino.
The Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles also released an advisory, warning the Filipino community in the immigrant-heavy city “to exercise caution and vigilance in view of the ongoing immigration protests taking place in downtown Los Angeles.”
“They are advised to avoid any crowd build-ups that may lead to disturbances,” it added.
Those who require the consulate’s assistance can reach out via (323) 528-1528.
Cruz also clarified that there was no Filipino who joined the protests against the US government’s intensified crackdown on illegal immigrants.
The protests started after ICE agents and others arrested over 40 immigrants in raids targeting day laborers. News of the raids triggered the rallies as relatives and protesters confronted the federal agents.
US President Donald Trump then called on the California National Guard without agreement from the state leaders.
