
ONTARIO, Calif. — On Thursday morning, two gardeners were reportedly detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents while working outside a home in Ontario, California, leaving their lawnmower and truck abandoned.
The incident, reported by KTLA, has sparked unease among residents and reignited debates over immigration enforcement practices in Southern California.
The detentions occurred outside a residence in Ontario, where neighbors witnessed ICE agents apprehending the workers.
The homeowner was alerted by neighbors but did not provide a public statement to KTLA.
The gardeners’ equipment and vehicle were left behind, creating a jarring scene for the community.
This incident follows recent ICE operations in the region, including reported actions targeting agricultural workers in Ventura County.
On June 10, ABC7 noted ICE agents pursuing farmworkers in Oxnard fields, part of what officials described as efforts to enforce immigration laws.
The Ontario detentions, however, have drawn particular attention due to their abrupt nature and the lack of clear information from authorities.
ICE has not issued an official statement regarding the Ontario incident, citing ongoing investigations.
The agency’s silence has fueled speculation and concern, with posts on X reflecting community sentiment.
One user called the detentions “unsettling,” while another questioned the focus on “workers just trying to make a living.”
Without verified details about the gardeners’ immigration status or potential criminal history, public discourse remains polarized.
Local advocacy groups have expressed alarm, arguing that such enforcement actions disrupt communities and target essential workers.
Ontario city officials have not directly addressed the incident but released a general statement affirming their commitment to supporting residents and urging federal agencies to provide transparency.
The detentions highlight ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in California, particularly as the region grapples with economic reliance on immigrant labor.
As residents await further details, the abandoned equipment in Ontario serves as a stark reminder of the human impact of these operations.
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