Recent immigration enforcement actions in Pasadena have led to a significant drop in public transit ridership, with reports indicating a decrease of up to 15%. Federal agents detained commuters at a bus stop near Winchell’s Donut House, sparking fear among residents who rely on public transportation.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, involved masked immigration officers detaining six Pasadena residents. Videos of the event show officers approaching individuals at the bus stop, leading to a tense encounter that included an officer pointing a gun at a bystander attempting to capture the scene on video. The incident has drawn sharp criticism from local officials and residents, who describe the actions as intimidating and harmful to community safety.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn expressed concern over the fear these actions have instilled in the community, stating, “The way that ICE is going about these sweeps is terrifying people.” According to the Los Angeles Times, the enforcement actions have led to decreased foot traffic in immigrant hubs across Los Angeles, impacting local businesses and daily routines.
Representative Judy Chu called the raids “outrageous,” emphasizing the detrimental impact on community safety and trust. She, along with other officials, has demanded transparency and accountability from immigration authorities.
In response to the situation, Pasadena officials have increased law enforcement presence around schools and transit areas to reassure residents. However, the fear of further immigration raids continues to affect public transit usage, particularly among the Latino community, who make up a significant portion of Metro’s ridership.
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