Immigration raids by ICE continue to generate controversy in the United States, especially among the Latino community. One of the most alarming cases of 2025 is that of Matilde, a 54-year-old Mexican woman living in California, who was detained by immigration agents while selling tamales on the street.
His arrest not only evidenced the use of excessive force by the officers, but also caused him a serious medical problem: a heart attack that required emergency surgery.
Arrest during ICE raid
The incident occurred on June 19, 2025 in Pacoima, a Latino-heavy neighborhood north of Los Angeles.
According to Matilde’s own testimony, she was selling tamales in front of a Lowe’s store when several Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol agents began a raid.
Upon noticing the presence of the agents, Matilde tried to pick up her stall.
It was at that moment when one of the officers approached her from behind and held her tightly, to the point that he cut off her breathing.
“I kept telling her I couldn’t breathe, but she wouldn’t let go,” Matilde told local media.
Within minutes, he lost consciousness.
Infarction and urgent hospitalization
The situation worsened when ICE agents did not heed their cries for help.
Matilde fainted and fell to the pavement.
It was not until the arrival of an officer claiming to be a paramedic that the woman received minimal attention.
Reporting that she was suffering from hypertension and diabetes, she was transported by ambulance to Providence Holy Cross Medical Center.
At the hospital, doctors confirmed that Matilde had suffered a minor heart attack due to partial blockage of the coronary arteries, caused by the extreme pressure during the arrest.
He had to undergo emergency surgery and is still recovering.
Reaction from the Latino community
Matilde’s case has unleashed a wave of indignation among migrant rights organizations.
They report a pattern of abuse during immigration raids in 2025.
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her concern about the treatment Mexican citizens are receiving in the U.S.
It demands respect for human rights and an end to the excessive use of force.
Collectives such as CHIRLA and the Central American Resource Center (CARECEN) have begun campaigns to make this type of abuse visible and provide legal support to Matilde and other affected migrants.
In addition, civil rights attorneys have called for a formal investigation against ICE for excessive use of force in this and similar cases.
A call to action
Matilde’s case is just one of many that illustrate the situation of vulnerability faced by migrants in the U.S.
Especially those working in the informal economy.
I told him I couldn't breathe - but he wouldn't let go
Matilde
The Hispanic community is demanding a change in detention protocols and a more humane approach by immigration authorities.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
