Federal Agents Raid Pomona Auto Body Shop Amidst Community Fear

Federal Raid on Pomona Auto Body Shop

• 🔍 A federal search warrant was executed at an auto body shop on Holt Avenue in Pomona by the Riverside Sheriff's Special Investigations Bureau and the Homeland Security Special Response Team.
• 🚨 The operation, described as narcotics-related, involved approximately 15 to 20 agents in camouflage uniforms, some identified as Border Patrol.
• 😟 The raid has heightened fears within the community, particularly among the Latino population, due to perceived unannounced federal operations.

Community and Mayoral Response

• 🗣️ Pomona Mayor was present at the scene after being alerted by community activists, expressing deep concern over federal agents entering the city randomly and causing disruption.
• 🤝 Community organizations and activists are working together to protect residents, with the Pomona Economic Opportunity Center stating their commitment to community safety.
• 😟 Residents report feeling terrorized and afraid to go about daily activities like going to school, the hospital, or church due to the increased federal presence.

Broader Context of Federal Operations

• 📅 This incident follows a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) raid on day laborers outside a Pomona Home Depot earlier in the week.
• ⚖️ CBP stated they were targeting an individual with an active arrest warrant, and several others were taken into custody, some with prior charges including child abuse and assault with a deadly weapon.
• ❓ A separate incident involved a barbershop owner on Holt Avenue who was detained by federal immigration agents but later released.
• 💬 While acknowledging the need to search for criminals, community members and leaders suggest there might be better approaches to federal operations that do not instill fear.