The arrest of Jose Nolasco, a 68-year-old immigrant and grandfather who has lived in the United States for more than three decades, has generated alarm in California’s Hispanic community. The arrest occurred Thursday at 3:00 p.m. when Nolasco was in his truck in front of his home, getting ready to go to work.
According to witnesses and family members, he was violently intercepted by federal agents allegedly from Immigration and Customs Enforcement(ICE), who broke the windows of the vehicle, beat him and put him in a van without license plates or official insignia.
Family bewildered and without information
Ana Nolasco, daughter of detainee José Nolasco, stated that the family found out about the situation thanks to calls from neighbors, who described the scene as a “kidnapping” by masked men.
Ana reported that she managed to speak briefly with her father, but that he did not know which detention center he was in.
“The only thing we want is to know where my dad is. He needs medication. We haven’t been told anything,” she said.
The family has also pointed out that Jose Nolasco has no criminal record and has lived legally in the U.S. for more than 30 years, working steadily and being an active part of his community.
What they did was inhumane. There was no need for violence
Neighbors claimed that several suspicious vehicles had been parked in the area for days and that at least two other people were also arrested that same day.
Unidentified agents
Buzzy
Immigrant advocacy organizations in California have expressed concern about the operation.
They point out that the use of violence without justification, the lack of clear identification by the agents, and the absence of a visible warrant could constitute civil rights violations.
Through its legal team, the family of José Nolasco has requested urgent assistance to obtain access to official information on the case.
So far, neither the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) nor Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has responded to press requests for information.
Recommendations
Amid an increase in immigration raids and raids across the country during 2025, organizations such as the ACLU are advising immigrant families:
Know your rights in case of detention.
Have contact with immigration attorneys.
Do not sign documents without legal assistance.
Have a family plan in case of emergency.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
