🛑⚖️ Los Angeles Joins Lawsuit to Block Immigration Raids After Military-Style ICE Operation
🚔🔑 ICE Raids Leave Cars, Tools, and Carts Abandoned Across Southern California, Prompting Community Response 🌊🚨 Over 160 Missing in Texas Hill Country Floods That Killed More Than 100 People
🛑⚖️ Los Angeles Joins Lawsuit to Block Immigration Raids After Military-Style ICE Operation
Orlando Mayorquín, The New York Times.- City and county officials in Los Angeles have formally moved to join a federal lawsuit aimed at halting aggressive immigration raids conducted by U.S. immigration authorities since June 6. The legal action follows a dramatic sweep through MacArthur Park by federal agents and National Guard troops, a show of force sharply criticized by Mayor Karen Bass. The lawsuit, filed by the ACLU and other civil rights groups, accuses ICE and DHS of racial profiling, warrantless arrests, denial of legal access, and holding detainees in poor conditions. In a motion to intervene filed Tuesday, Los Angeles and eight other local governments argued that the raids have caused fear, economic disruption, and increased emergency response costs. Federal officials deny the claims, calling them false and dangerous. The legal effort is backed by 18 state attorneys general, who filed a brief supporting the plaintiffs’ claims of constitutional violations.
📌 Key Facts
Legal action: L.A. and eight municipalities filed to join a federal lawsuit against immigration raids.
Raids criticized: Involve masked, heavily armed ICE and Border Patrol agents in public spaces.
Mayor Bass's rebuke: Called federal presence in MacArthur Park "military-style" and unnecessary.
Lawsuit claims: Racial profiling, warrantless arrests, denial of legal access, inhumane detention.
Federal response: DHS spokesperson called allegations “categorically FALSE” and inflammatory.
Economic impact: L.A. cites harm to tax revenue, business activity, and public safety costs.
State support: 18 attorneys general filed an amicus brief supporting the plaintiffs.
Operation start date: Raids began June 6, disrupting daily life in immigrant communities.
Enforcement tactics: Videos show arrests at bus stops, car washes, and shopping centers.
Historical precedent: Local officials argue raids deviate from 70+ years of lawful enforcement norms.
🚔🔑 ICE Raids Leave Cars, Tools, and Carts Abandoned Across Southern California, Prompting Community Response
Salvador Hernandez, Los Angeles Times.- As aggressive ICE raids continue across Southern California, cars with shattered windows, running lawn mowers, and abandoned vending carts have become common sights. Detained without warning, many undocumented workers are unable to secure their property, creating chaos in public spaces and hardship for families. In response, the Santa Ana Police Department and advocacy groups have begun efforts to return property to relatives of those arrested. Officer Natalie Garcia emphasized that Santa Ana police are not collaborating with federal immigration enforcement, urging families to contact them regardless of immigration status. Community networks like the OC Rapid Response Network are also playing a critical role, using social media to identify and retrieve property. Advocates highlight the distrust many families have toward police, which can delay reunification with vehicles and work tools essential to their livelihoods. The raids have deeply disrupted immigrant communities and exposed gaps in protecting basic personal property rights.
📌 Key Facts
Widespread abandonments: Cars, lawn mowers, vending carts, and tools left behind during ICE raids.
Lack of procedure: Federal agents reportedly leave scenes abruptly without securing personal belongings.
Police involvement: Santa Ana PD launched a program to return detained individuals' property to families.
Community role: OC Rapid Response Network and other groups identify and safeguard property for affected families.
Fear of police: Mixed-status families avoid reporting property loss due to fear of further immigration scrutiny.
Social media use: Videos and photos help families locate abandoned vehicles and notify relatives of detentions.
Grassroots support: Residents often intervene to protect property until owners can retrieve it.
Communication: Santa Ana PD emphasized they are not involved in federal immigration enforcement and welcome all community calls.
Official hotline: Santa Ana residents urged to report abandoned property via (714) 245-8665.
Human cost: Property loss adds financial strain to families already impacted by immigration enforcement.
🇲🇽🌊 Two Mexicans Among Texas Flood Victims, Querétaro Confirms Amid Rising Death Toll
Mayumi Suzuki, Reforma.- José Olvera and Alicia Torres, an elderly couple from Querétaro, have been confirmed dead in the devastating floods that struck Texas, according to Querétaro’s Secretary of Government, Eric Gudiño. The tragedy unfolded in the Guadalupe River area, where the couple had been reported missing. While the Consulate of Mexico in San Antonio has not yet confirmed the deaths, Querétaro officials stated that one of the bodies will be buried in Austin. At the same time, the other will be repatriated to Mexico. At least 111 people have died and over 170 remain missing, Texas Governor Greg Abbott warned, suggesting the death toll could double. Meanwhile, Mexican Ambassador Esteban Moctezuma expressed solidarity and highlighted Mexico’s deployment of rescue personnel to Texas. The Consulate in Albuquerque is also assisting affected Mexicans in New Mexico after floods there. Emergency lines have been activated for those in need of assistance, reaffirming Mexico’s commitment to binational cooperation in times of crisis.
📌 Key Facts
Victims identified: José Olvera and Alicia Torres from Querétaro confirmed dead.
Death toll: At least 111 confirmed dead; 173 still missing in Texas.
Location: Couple was in the flooded Guadalupe River area.
Official response: Querétaro’s Eric Gudiño confirmed details; one body to be repatriated.
Diplomatic actions: Mexican Ambassador Esteban Moctezuma praised bilateral cooperation.
Rescue aid: Mexico sent firefighters and civil protection personnel to Texas.
Consular involvement: Consulate in Albuquerque supporting affected families in New Mexico.
Emergency numbers: SRE assistance lines: 505-270-7009 and 520-623-7874.
Federal silence: No public confirmation yet from Mexico’s embassy or San Antonio consulate.
Ongoing risk: Texas officials anticipate a significant rise in the death toll.🌊🚨 Over 160 Missing in Texas Hill Country Floods That Killed More Than 100 People
Sneha Dey, The Texas Tribune.- Search and rescue teams in Kerr County continue looking for 161 missing people after devastating floods swept through Texas Hill Country on July 4, killing at least 109. Governor Greg Abbott confirmed that among the missing are five children and a counselor from Camp Mystic, a summer retreat where 27 campers and staff were confirmed dead. The flood ranks as the second-deadliest in Texas history, trailing only the 1921 flood in San Antonio. First responders are combing debris-clogged riverbanks across 60 miles with heavy equipment, while officials face prank calls and rugged terrain. Lawmakers, including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Sen. Paul Bettencourt, are proposing legislation to install sirens in areas prone to flooding. Questions remain about the adequacy of flood warnings and camp safety plans. President Trump plans to visit the affected region on Friday. Damage estimates range from $18 to $22 billion, as the state braces for long-term recovery efforts.
📌 Key Facts
Death toll: 109 confirmed dead as of July 7, 2025.
Missing persons: 161, including six children and a counselor from Camp Mystic.
Camp Mystic impact: 27 confirmed dead, six still missing; camp director also deceased.
Geographic scope: Kerr, Travis, Kendall, Burnet, Williamson, and Tom Green counties affected.
Scale: Second-deadliest flood in Texas history, deadlier than all U.S. flood deaths in 2023 and 2024 combined.
Governor’s response: Abbott promised continued search efforts and legislative review.
State investigation: Lawmakers to address emergency alert systems in a July 21 special session.
Federal involvement: Trump visiting July 11; White House defended weather forecasting.
Emergency sirens: Lt. Gov. Patrick and Sen. Bettencourt call for civil defense-style alert systems.
Economic impact: Estimated $18–22 billion in losses.
Community support: Nearly 1,000 volunteers and responders in Kerrville alone.
Regulatory gaps: No oversight on the effectiveness of camps’ emergency plans.