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The sons of a woman who was detained by federal agents in a widely circulated video on social media spoke on vigils Monday, denounced their actions.
Rosalina Vargas was photographed by federal agents on Saturday morning during surgery near the intersection of Catalina Avenue and Del Mar Boulevard. The video showed the struggles Vargas’ family and agents tried to hold her in custody. In the footage, Vargas’ son was able to listen repeatedly, asking an agent for a warrant when he gathered near his car on the street. The video ends with a woman asking the person recording the video to call the police.
The city of Pasadena said in a statement that police were called to the area after receiving reports of suspicious activity at the intersection. The city confirmed that the agents were with the US Immigration Customs (ICE), and officers confirmed their identity.
“… The PPD did not support the ice of anxiety as the PPD was there solely for a call for services,” the city’s statement read. “The Pasadena fire was called to evaluate adult detainees, she was treated at the scene and didn’t want to go to hospital. The detainee’s family was very supportive in spreading the situation.
In response to detention, a rally was held in Vargas’ honor as a way for the community to stand up in solidarity with her and her family. National Day’s network of workers organised vigils and condemned women’s detention.
“This is rage and all of these actions are inhuman,” said Alejandro Vargas, son of Rosalina. “We need to talk about this. This isn’t ok.”
“My mother is a hardworking single mother who works tirelessly to create a better future for me and my brother,” said Rosalina’s other son, Bayardo Vargas, his voice shaking.
On the all night, attendees held the signs and chanted the change. They asked for the release of Rosalina and the end of these operations.
“It tears this family apart when people don’t even see civil servants or see them as part of the government. I’ve never seen anything bad in my life,” said Gillian Reid, who recorded a video of Rosalina’s detention.
Reed said she was driving south along Catalina Avenue when she heard people call out for help. That’s when she stopped the car and started recording.
“These policies were irrespective of what people think about immigration… if people saw what I saw, no one supported it,” Reed said.
Rosalina’s sons said they were able to contact their mother.
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