INS Raids
On Dec. 17, agents from the Immigration and Naturalization Service raided my place of employment.
It was like a drug bust. Twelve agents came storming in through the front and back entrances. The employees were surrounded as they stood at their tasks. Naturally, they froze with fear at the sight of the big men with their badges and side arms. Everyone was rounded up by the time clock and asked to produce some evidence of their legal status. Those that could not were led into the hallway.
Some of the girls began to cry as the agents handcuffed them. These were the same girls that I had overheard earlier that morning planning their Christmas shopping with the meager, little paychecks that they had just received.
Throughout the entire operation, I noticed the agents laughing and joking among themselves.
I am still puzzled by what I saw that day.
ARNIE VELAZQUEZ, Hermosa Beach
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
