The provided text describes a series of raids conducted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Border Patrol in Southern California, specifically mentioning operations in Los Angeles and Sacramento.The article focuses on the controversial nature of thes raids and the reactions from community members and advocacy groups.
Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
The Raids: U.S. Border Patrol Chief Matthew Bovino is cited as being a key figure in these operations. The raids involved surveilling locations and running licence plates, with some plates reportedly belonging to previously deported immigrants in the country illegally.
Arrest of Jose Castillo Jr.: The article highlights the arrest of Jose castillo Jr., an American citizen and HVAC repairman, during a raid at a Home Depot in Sacramento.His wife, Andrea Castillo, captured a video of the arrest, which circulated on social media.
Allegations of Excessive Force: Andrea Castillo claims her husband was pinned to the ground, cut on the face, bleeding, and said “I can’t breathe.” She also described an agent pointing a spray can at her and telling her to “Get the f- out of the way.” The scene is compared to other raids where excessive force was allegedly used.
Community and Advocacy Group Reactions:
Andrea Castillo: Describes her husband as a hard-working family man who wouldn’t instigate trouble.she points out his brother is a U.S. Marine.
Giselle Garcia (NorCal Resist): Expresses skepticism about the accusations, citing a “long pattern of false allegations made by ICE and CBP” that immigrants or witnesses incite violence. Elizabeth Strater (United Farm Workers): Reports her office has received many calls about the Home Depot raid. Her group is a plaintiff in a lawsuit against Border Patrol for previous raids,where a federal judge found the agency engaged in a “pattern and practice” of unconstitutional detentions. Strater also described a video of agents kneeling on a woman,calling it “brutality” and “nauseating.”
Caity Maple (Sacramento City Councilmember): Expressed shock at Border Patrol operations in Sacramento, noting its distance from the border and that local law enforcement was not notified.
Legal Context: The article mentions a previous federal judge’s order against Border Patrol for unconstitutional detentions without reasonable suspicion, and that advocacy groups are investigating if the current raids violate that order.
Lack of Response: Neither the Department of Homeland Security nor U.S. Customs and Border Protection responded to requests for comment about Castillo.
In essence, the article presents a critical view of these Border Patrol operations, highlighting concerns about potential excessive force, the targeting of individuals in inland communities, and a history of alleged misconduct by the agency.
