Names have been altered or omitted in this story to protect identities due to immigration status.
For 10 years, Matilde has been selling tamales at the same location, by Lowe’s on Paxton Street in Pacoima, working hard to live the “American Dream” and support her family. But on June 19, her life was turned upside down when several unmarked vehicles arrived with masked men wearing United States Border Patrol tactical gear.
Matilde was fixing her umbrella when the first car arrived, and suddenly, men came running towards her. Without asking any questions, without presenting a warrant, the federal immigration agents began grabbing the 54 year old using force to detain her…