A viral video that appeared to show police in a Los Angeles-area city assisting US Border Patrol agent has sparked widespread fear and anger among locals
In the clip, Alhambra resident Angie Vargas filmed what she believed were federal agents when an Alhambra police SUV abruptly cut her off, ABC 7 reported.
Alhambra police helping Border Patrol, activists say. Protesters want answers from the Southern California city. @aaangievargas/Instagram
Angie Vargas said she was following who she believed were federal immigration agents when an Alhambra police SUV abruptly cut her off. @aaangievargas/Instagram
In the clip, Vargas asked officers if they were cooperating with the agents, prompting police to ask her which country she was a citizen of. @aaangievargas/InstagramVargas asked officers if they were cooperating with the agents, prompting police to ask her which country she was a citizen of, the footage showed.
Alhambra police denied interfering on behalf of federal immigration agents, saying officers were responding to a call and not assisting any enforcement activities.
Alhambra residents packed the City Council meeting and demanded answers about possible cooperation between local police and Border Patrol. KABC“Our officers responded to a call for service regarding a vehicle being followed by another vehicle that was running red lights and making illegal U-turns,” the department said in a statement. “Officers parked their vehicle in between both parties to help with de-escalating the situation.”
Vargas has since led protests at an Alhambra City Council meeting alongside hundreds of residents to condemn federal immigration enforcement activity in the city.
“This is enough. My people need to be heard,” Vargas said outside City Hall, according to ABC 7. “We need to be protected, and they need to protect our community members and not these federal agents.”
The council members were met with loud roars of “shame” as residents accused local and federal law enforcement of collusion.
Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters
California Post News: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, LinkedIn
California Post SportsFacebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X
California Post Opinion
California Post Newsletters: Sign up here!
California Post App: Download here!
Home delivery: Sign up here!
Page Six Hollywood: Sign up here!
