A Los Angeles nurse who volunteered to document immigration enforcement raids was arrested by masked federal agents, raising alarm among immigrant rights groups. Her detention, though later dropped without charges, highlights the growing risks faced by volunteers who monitor immigration operations across Southern California. Advocacy groups say community interest in patrols is surging, but stress that safety and legal awareness are critical for those who step onto the front lines.
Volunteer Arrest Sparks Outcry
Amanda Trebach, a member of Unión del Barrio and Harbor Area Peace Patrol, was documenting federal operations at Terminal Island when she was pinned to the ground, handcuffed, and taken into an unmarked van. The Department of Homeland Security accused her of obstructing agents, but she was released without charges. Supporters say she was targeted for her activism.
Read: Judge Blocks Trump-Era Crackdown on DEI in Schools and Universities
Advocacy Groups Mobilize
Immigrant rights organizations, including the Community Self Defense Coalition, report increased calls from residents eager to form local patrols and rapid response networks. “We must do so, however, in a way that keeps us safe,” said Jorge-Mario Cabrera of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights.
Also read: Fear of ICE Raids Keeps Thousands of Latino Kids Out of School
Legal Rights Explained
Advocates stress that documenting immigration enforcement is protected under the First Amendment in public spaces. Still, “Do so in a way that…doesn’t jeopardize our security and our constitutional rights,” Cabrera advised. Officials warn that perceived interference can lead to arrests for obstruction…