1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

The arrest of Amanda Trebach, a U.S. citizen and healthcare worker, by masked federal agents during a community observation patrol at Terminal Island on August 8th is deeply concerning. As a member of Unión del Barrio and the Community Self-Defense Coalition, Trebach was violently detained and taken away in an unmarked van, allegedly for "assaulting" a federal vehicle, a claim that eyewitness accounts dispute. This targeted arrest appears to be retaliation for Trebach's political activism and community work documenting the movements of federal immigration authorities in the Los Angeles area. Such heavy-handed tactics against those exercising their constitutional rights to monitor government activities is unacceptable and raises serious civil liberties concerns. I urge a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding Trebach's arrest and the actions of the agents involved. Trebach must be immediately released without charges. The Port Police, who witnessed but failed to intervene in this violent encounter, must also be held accountable. As a city that prides itself on being a sanctuary for immigrants, decisive action is needed to protect residents from immigration enforcement overreach and state-sanctioned retaliation against activists. The apparent targeting and abduction of a U.S. citizen by unidentified federal agents for her advocacy work is an egregious violation of civil rights that cannot be tolerated. I urge you to use all available means to secure Trebach's release, investigate this disturbing incident, and take concrete steps to remove immigration enforcement operations from Los Angeles to prevent such abuses from occurring again.