US Woman Detained by ICE After Ambush; LAPD Accused of Non-Intervention

Incident Overview

• 💡 A US citizen, Andrea Velez, was detained by immigration agents while walking to work in LA.
• ⚠️ She was allegedly ambushed by individuals in unmarked cars, leading her to seek help from LAPD officers.

LAPD's Role and Justification

• 🎯 LAPD officers reportedly did not intervene, stating they were only present for crowd control during an immigration operation.
• ⚖️ The Department of Homeland Security claims Velez forcefully obstructed an ICE officer.

"Disappeared in America" Movement

• 📣 A new hashtag, "Disappeared in America," is gaining traction, highlighting cases where families and attorneys struggle to locate detainees.
• 🔍 This movement points to a coordinated national effort to bring attention to such detentions, suggesting thousands of similar cases.

Detention and Rights

• 🗺️ It took over two days for Velez's location to be identified, leading her family and supporters to consider her "disappeared."
• ❓ Homeland Security guidelines suggest agents identify themselves when practical and safe, which they may not do in chaotic situations.
• 📜 While agents require a warrant for home/business entry, detainees have the right to remain silent and not sign anything, and to contact a lawyer, but not necessarily family.