The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) has reinstated two bus drivers who were fired last month after speaking to an LA Public Press reporter about an informal agreement to protect riders by refusing to allow ICE onboard buses, according to agency documents reviewed by the news outlet.
In July, bus operators Sean Broadbent and Jaime C. told LA Public Press that they and other operators had agreed to defend transit riders against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) by refusing to open the door to agents who attempt to board their buses. The drivers said they’d also divert Metro buses to different routes to avoid agents and would share know-your-rights information with riders.
The drivers’ informal policy developed after the U.S. Department of Homeland Security launched a militarized, often violent immigration enforcement campaign across LA and neighboring counties…