EspañolImmigration and Customs Enforcement Are Being Accused of Abducting a Toddler As They Detained Her U.S. Citizen Father Outside Cypress Park Home Depot
CYPRESS PARK, CALIFORNIA (November 4, 2025) – A 32-year-old man and U.S. citizen was detained in an immigration raid outside of a Home Depot in Cypress Park.
The incident began on Tuesday. Federal immigration agents detained a man whose toddler was strapped into the back of his vehicle.
After agents were able to gain entrance into his vehicle, they drove off with a child still in the backseat. A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security said that the victim allegedly exited his vehicle with a hammer and threw rocks at law enforcement.
He was arrested at the scene and charged with assault. Border patrol agents are saying that they were conducting an immigration enforcement operation outside of the Home Depot.
They allegedly arrested five undocumented immigrants from Mexico and Guatemala. It remains unclear if the ICE agents who drove off with the child will face any disciplinary action.
A full investigation into the incident remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for Excessive Force by ICE Agents
ICE agents have a great deal of discretion on how to perform their job duties. But they are not permitted to violate the constitution at any point during their mission. According to 42 U.S. Code § 1983, every person who, under the color of law, deprives someone of their rights afforded under the Constitution, shall be liable to the injured party in an action at law. There are many ways that ICE agents may deprive U.S. citizens of their constitutional rights.
- Unlawful Arrests: ICE agents may arrest or detain someone who is actually a United States citizen. These arrests often involve long periods of detention that lack any type of legal basis.
- Excessive Force: ICE agents may use excessive force to detain suspects. This could include punching, kicking, or hitting any person who is already restrained.
- Denial of Medical Care: ICE agents may fail to provide detainees with adequate medical attention for serious medical conditions. When law enforcement agencies detain people, they must provide for their medical needs.
ICE agents are supposed to enforce immigration laws. But in far too many instances, they cast nets so wide that U.S. citizens become ensnared and detained unlawfully. Of course, ICE will virtually never accept responsibility if they illegally detain a United States citizen. This is why it is so important that these incidents are properly investigated by an experienced civil rights attorney.
Steps to Take After Illegal Detentions by ICE Agents
As ICE has continued to expand their immigration crackdown, far too many United States citizens have had their constitutional rights violated in the process. According to one investigation by ProPublica, “The government doesn’t track how many citizens are held by immigration agents. We found more than 170 cases this year where citizens were detained at raids and protests.” Many people are held for a day or more without being able to call family or a lawyer. Certain steps should be taken after any detention by ICE.
- Document Everything: It is important to document as much as possible after any illegal detention by ICE. This should include when and where you were stopped and what ICE agents said that you did. Save all paperwork related to your detention.
- Witness Information: Another important step to take is to collect the witness information of any person that may have seen what happened. This can go a long way towards corroborating your side of the story.
- Medical Attention: Victims of illegal detentions should also seek medical evaluation to address any emotional or psychological injuries that they incur.
- Civil Rights Attorney: Another important step to take is to consult with an experienced civil rights attorney. An attorney can examine the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
It can be difficult to know where to begin after having your rights violated by ICE. These interactions can leave victims with lasting physical and psychological trauma. Any U.S. citizen that is abused or illegally detained by ICE agents is able to seek some measure of accountability and justice through a civil rights claim. Our team of civil rights attorneys is here to support you.
Getting Legal Help After Illegal ICE Detentions
We at the Carrillo Law Firm extend our best wishes to the father and daughter impacted by this ICE raid outside of the Cypress Park Home Depot. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what happened. ICE should not be conducting operations so broad that they are carelessly scooping up hundreds of U.S. citizens and denying them due process.
Have you or another United States citizen been illegally detained by ICE? You may have legal recourse. Our team of civil rights attorneys is here to help you. We care deeply that victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here to serve your needs. You can reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375.
