ICE Activity Confirmed in South Whittier: What We Know and How to Get Help

By Rebecca CanalesFounder & CEO, Whittier 360 News Network

WHITTIER, CA — Whittier 360 has confirmed through official sources that two separate law enforcement incidents involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have occurred in Unincorporated South Whittier. These operations took place at warehouse facilities, though the nature of the enforcement activity has not been disclosed at this time.

While many in the community may assume ICE presence automatically means arrests or deportations, it’s important to understand that ICE has multiple enforcement roles, including investigations related to employment and labor violations, visa fraud, and even human trafficking.

⚠️ What We Know

• The incidents occurred at two warehouse locations in South Whittier.

• ICE confirmed involvement, but no public arrest data has been released.

• Sources suggest the activity was focused on employers who may have violated federal employment laws—particularly in relation to fraudulent documentation, identity fraud, or misuse of work authorizations.

ICE also investigates businesses that may have provided false or forged documents to immigrant employees. These investigations can lead to civil fines or criminal charges against employers—even when no workers are detained.

👥 What If Someone You Know Was Taken?

If you believe a family member, friend, or neighbor was detained, there are steps you can take to confirm their status and seek help:

🔎 Locate a Detained Individual

Use ICE’s Online Detainee Locator System:🌐 https://locator.ice.govYou will need either:

• The person’s A-number (Alien Registration Number) and country of birth, or

• Their full name, date of birth, and country of birth.

⚠️ This tool only shows individuals currently in ICE custody.

📞 ICE Community and Detainee Helpline

This hotline is for families, attorneys, and advocates seeking information, reporting concerns, or requesting support for detained individuals.

• 📞 1-888-351-4024

• Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

• Staff can assist in multiple languages, including Spanish

• 🌐 https://www.ice.gov/contact/ero

📣 How to Report Abuse or Misconduct

If you witnessed or experienced misconduct by ICE agents—or suspect a civil rights violation—you can report it to federal oversight agencies:

🔹 1. DHS Office of Inspector General (OIG)

Purpose: Report abuse, fraud, or corruption by ICE or other DHS agencies📞 1-800-323-8603🌐 https://www.oig.dhs.gov/hotline📧 dhsoighotline@oig.dhs.gov

🔹 2. DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL)

Purpose: Report racial profiling, detention abuse, or denial of due process📞 1-866-644-8360📧 crclcompliance@hq.dhs.gov🌐 https://www.dhs.gov/crcl📬 Mail:U.S. Dept. of Homeland SecurityOffice for Civil Rights and Civil LibertiesWashington, D.C. 20528

🪖 For Military Service Members

If you are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces and believe you have received an unlawful order or are unsure of your rights under the UCMJ (Uniform Code of Military Justice), contact:

🔹 GI Rights Hotline

📞 1-877-447-4487🌐 https://girightshotline.orgFree and confidential legal help

📌 Final Note

Not all ICE operations result in arrests, and not all targets are undocumented workers. Many operations focus on employers engaged in fraud, exploitation, or labor violations. In some cases, ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) division is involved in combatting human trafficking and child exploitation, especially when immigrant workers are being abused or coerced.

Whittier 360 will continue monitoring developments and will update the public if any additional information becomes available.

If you have information or eyewitness accounts related to these incidents, contact our newsroom securely through the Whittier 360 tipline.