Chu rips Pasadena ICE Raids
U.S Rep. Judy Chu (D-Pasadena, Monterey Park, Alhambra, San Gabriel) yesterday ripped Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents after a June 18 newly surfaced video captured alarming scenes at the intersection of Los Robles and Orange Avenue in Pasadena.
In the footage, ICE agents appear to commit serious violations of the law, aiming weapons at innocent civilians, driving recklessly through residential streets, and failing to present warrants or identify themselves.
Chu said these chaotic and dangerous tactics put entire communities at risk. And they make it clear that Trump’s ICE raids don’t just target immigrants; they endanger and affect all of us regardless of immigration status, the lawmakers said.
In response to this abuse of power in her district, Chu visited the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles, where several Pasadena residents swept up in the recent raids were reportedly being held. But federal officials denied her entry, despite her legal right as a Member of Congress to conduct oversight.
“These raids aren’t targeting criminals, they’re indiscriminately targeting workplaces, community institutions, and family homes,” said Chu. “They’re rounding up people who contribute to our communities and keep our economy running. I’ve heard from countless constituents who are sick with worry. I will not stop fighting for our immigrant communities and their right to due process.”
Over the past month, Rep. Chu has led a series of oversight efforts demanding transparency, accountability, and humane treatment regarding these ongoing immigrant raids.
Pérez slams ICE Pasadena street raid
State Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez (D-Pasadena) slammed federal immigration enforcement actions taken on the morning of June 18 when they snatched people off the streets.
“The Trump administration’s immigration enforcement actions this morning in Pasadena paint another troubling picture of unidentifiable federal agents terrorizing and snatching vulnerable people off the street. All indications show these raids targeted decent, hard-working community members at a bus stop who are simply trying to make a living and support their families.
“The ongoing federal immigration raids create terror and do not make our communities safer.
“I have reached out to federal agencies to get answers. I want to know the status of the people detained this morning, and why the agents are conducting themselves like kidnappers. I will be visiting a detention center today to further demand answers alongside Congresswoman Judy Chu.
“Our immigrant community deserves due process and access to legal counsel. And our democracy deserves far better conduct from our government.”
Paramount City Council letter to the community
The Paramount City Council issued a letter to the community this week with a unified voice and a shared commitment to reaffirm what has always been true about the City: That Paramount is a safe, inclusive and welcoming community for all, regardless of immigration status.
“The City of Paramount recognizes that our nation was built by immigrants and is strongest when we embrace the diversity and culture of all who contribute to our communities and our country. We are deeply troubled that families and entire neighborhoods are being torn apart and bearing the consequences of a broken Federal immigration system—one that has been fractured by years of partisan division at the Federal level,” the Council wrote.
Every person who calls Paramount home deserves dignity, respect, and the opportunity to thrive. We are proud to serve a city built on diversity, resilience, and community.
Our intent goes beyond words. At our June 10 City Council meeting, we unanimously approved funding in the upcoming fiscal year’s budget to directly support immigration-related humanitarian resources for those in need. We are actively working to identify services, programs, and partnerships that will help protect, inform, and assist our most vulnerable residents.
Paramount stands for compassion, unity, and meaningful action. We will continue to listen, uplift, and stand with all members of our community.”
Durazo rips SCOTUS decision on transgender minors
State Sen. María Elena Durazo (D-East Hollywood, East Los Angeles, Highland Park, Los Angeles, Pico Union, South Montebello, Vernon) this week ripped the U.S. Supreme Court decison to uphold a Tennessee law that prohibits gender-affirming medical care, like puberty blockers and hormone therapy, for transgender minors.
The Court ruled that the law does not violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment and satisfies rational basis review, meaning it is rationally related to a legitimate state interest. The majority opinion, authored by Chief Justice Roberts, emphasized the state’s broad discretion in regulating medical care for minors, particularly in areas with scientific uncertainty.
“Today’s Supreme Court decision in United States v. Skrmetti is a heartbreaking setback for transgender youth and their families. This 6-3 ruling allows states to ban life-saving gender-affirming medical care, putting vulnerable young people at risk. California has always stood as a beacon of hope for LGBTQ+ families, and we will not waver in that commitment,” said Durazo.
“We will continue to welcome families fleeing discrimination and ensure access to comprehensive healthcare. This decision does not reflect our nation’s values of equality, dignity, and freedom. I will keep fighting in the Senate to protect trans rights and oppose any legislation that would restrict access to gender affirming care.”
