The family of a street vendor detained in the immigrant attack at the local Home Depot has spoken out because they believe she is not receiving the medical care she desperately needs.
According to her family, Emma de Pas moved to the United States from Guatemala years ago and has lived in California for decades.
She worked as a street vendor outside Home Depot on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood when she was taken during the June 19 immigration raid. Her brother told KTLA on Wednesday that Emma would go out on the streets during Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, but she knew that selling food was the only way she could make money.
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“She was selling Pollo Asado and Carne Asada on the street,” said brother Carlos Barrera de Paz. “That’s all she’s doing to make a living by paying rent, paying bills and putting food on the table.”
A still in video showing Emma De Pas being detained outside Home Depot in Hollywood on June 19, 2025.
After being detained in Hollywood, DePas was transferred to a facility in downtown LA in accordance with a statement from the office of LA City Councilman Hugo Soto Martinez. The statement also said she was transferred to White Memorial Hospital under security guards due to health issues.
According to her family, these health issues are serious and they are worried that she is not receiving proper care.
“My sister called us and said they had treated us. [the detainees] “It’s a cold room with no food. That’s it.”Valella de Paz said at a press conference held outside the Guatemala Consulate in Los Angeles.
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Carlos Barrera de Pas said he and his loved ones gathered outside the consulate as part of a final ditch effort to prevent the sister from being a potential deportation. They believe that she should be released as she poses no threat to the community and has never been arrested.
“Let’s see what the consulate is saying, because they are our representatives of this country,” he said. “This is Guatemalan. [citizen]So maybe they can [more] I’m more annoyed than us because we’re already trying. ”
Emma de Pas’ family posted a photo of her at a press conference on June 25th, 2025 (KTLA)
Under the Trump administration, anyone who has illegally migrated to the United States faces deportation, and while officials focus on dismissal of illegal offenders, the policy applies to those who have not been convicted of a crime. That said, a recent report alleges that immigrants and customs enforcement officials have deported dozens of U.S. citizens.
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Federal immigration enforcement projects are being carried out nationwide, including Southern California. Los Angeles in particular was the site of many attacks and protests against them, some of which became destructive and violent.
L.A. unrest has prompted a continuing, intense political front and back between California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Donald Trump administrations. Both Bass and Newsom have continued to express their opposition to the attacks, but federal authorities have vowed to continue them.
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