An immigration arrest in California ended in a controversial confrontation between federal agents and medical personnel after two clinic employees were accused of interfering with the detention of an immigrant.
The case, which has generated strong reactions from Latino communities and civil organizations, reflects the increasing use of federal measures against those who allegedly obstruct immigration raids.
What happened in Ontario, California?
🚨 BREAKING: The medical workers in California who block ICE agents from arresting an illegal have now been charged, per Fox.pic.twitter.com/KXbUItcvnM
– AJ Huber (@Huberton) July 25, 2025
The U.S. Department of Justice(DOJ) reported that José de Jesús Ortega, 38, was arrested on July 25, 2025.
Danielle Nadine Davila, 33, remains under active search by federal authorities.
Both worked at the Ontario Advanced Surgery Center, located in San Bernardino County.
On July 8, ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents attempted to detain Denis Guillén-Solís, a 30-year-old Honduran gardener, who fled to the clinic to avoid arrest.
According to the DOJ, Guillén-Solís was followed by agents in an unmarked vehicle and upon entering the surgical center, a struggle ensued in which Ortega and Dávila allegedly physically intervened.
Video generates controversy
The Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice (ICIJ) released a video of the immigration arrest.
Workers at the center are seen asking the agents to present a court order to enter.
Guillén-Solís was followed by officers in an unmarked vehicle
QueOnnda.com
The agents continued with the chase inside the private compound, which caused additional tensions.
The video shows how one of the employees helps the immigrant to get up and move away from the agent, which was included in the indictment as evidence of obstruction.
Charges and legal consequences
Buzzy
The DOJ filed two federal charges against the defendants:
Conspiracy to prevent an officer from performing his or her duty by force or intimidation
Assault on a federal officer in the line of duty
If convicted, they would face up to eight years in prison for the assault charge and up to six years for conspiracy.
The U.S. Attorney in the Central District of California stated that the government “will vigorously prosecute any interference with immigration operations, especially when it involves workers in public or private spaces.”
Community reactions
Pro-immigrant groups have denounced the disproportionate use of force in community areas and the criminalization of citizens for assisting vulnerable people.
Local leaders have demanded greater legal clarity on the entry of federal agents into private clinics without a warrant, as in this immigration arrest.
Meanwhile, ICE has reinforced its position by stating that its agents are authorized to enter private property in case of “active pursuit”.
Although constitutional law experts point out that this may be subject to litigation.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
