An ICE raid in Harrisonburg, Virginia, set off alarms among the immigrant community after several Hispanic workers were detained on their way to work.
The fact was denounced by the influencer and activist Carlos Eduardo Espina, who exposed in his social networks what he described as an unfair act directed against working people.
Virginia street raid
“I am informed that today the immigration agency ICE took several immigrants while they were on their way to work in Harrisonburg, Virginia,” Carlos Espina denounced through a video on his Facebook account.
In her video, Espina showed an image sent to her showing ICE agents detaining at least three immigrants of Hispanic origin.
According to the influencer’s testimony, immigration agents made arrests with the assistance of the FBI and Virginia State Police.
What is known about the operation?
Espina explained that according to the complaint messages she received, the immigrants were on their way to work when they were stopped “in their work van, asked for their immigration status, and eventually Immigration arrived to take them away”.
The influencer said that although he could not confirm how many immigrants were detained, at least 3 Hispanics can be seen in the image shared with him.
So far, ICE has not issued an official statement detailing the number of people arrested or the specific reason for the action.
Community impact
Virginia has experienced a steady growth in immigrant population, particularly Latinos, in recent years.
In areas such as Loudoun and Prince William, thousands of Hispanic families contribute to the local economy in sectors such as construction, cleaning, landscaping and services.
The operation generated immediate fear in the community.
Civil rights organizations and immigrant advocacy groups have demanded that the federal government detail the conditions of the operation and guarantee respect for due process.
What to do if ICE detains you?
It is important to remember that immigrants have rights, even if they do not have legal status. Here are some recommendations:
Do not open the door without a court order signed by a judge.
Do not sign any document without the advice of an attorney.
Remain silent and ask to speak to a lawyer immediately.
Do not disclose country of origin or provide additional information without legal representation.
“It is key that every immigrant knows his or her rights. It is not about evading the law, it is about demanding dignified and fair treatment,” said Espina.
What do the authorities say?
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has neither confirmed nor denied the operation.
But under President Donald Trump’s administration, immigration enforcement actions have increased in frequency and scope since January 2025.
More details are expected to be released in the coming days, especially if the arrests included individuals with no criminal record and with family settled in the US.
Here you can watch the video of the ICE raid in Virginia.
