In an alarming incident in Cypress Park, federal immigration agents detained a father while his young daughter was in the vehicle. A video circulating on social media shows agents entering the father’s car, armed and masked, before driving off with the child amid cries from onlookers.
Details of the Incident
The 32-year-old father, Dennis Quinonez, was involved in an immigration enforcement operation at a Home Depot on a Tuesday. According to reports, Quinonez allegedly exited his vehicle wielding a hammer and threw rocks at law enforcement officers present. This led to his arrest for assault.
An officer found a loaded handgun in Quinonez’s car, which had been reported stolen in New York. He has a previous conviction for domestic violence and an active warrant for property damage. Authorities stated that Quinonez was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Child’s Safety and Family Response
Activists confirmed that the toddler, who is nearing her second birthday, was safely reunited with her family after the incident. Lindsay Toczylowski, co-founder of Immigrant Defenders Law Center, stated that both the father and daughter are U.S. citizens. The family expressed their trauma from the experience, with the child’s grandmother stating, “It was really horrible.”
Wider Implications
The Cypress Park operation was part of a broader series of immigration enforcement actions taking place in Los Angeles County. Witnesses reported that agents were also present near local stadiums and bus stops, leading to various detentions throughout the area.
California’s recent special election and Proposition 50 sparked speculation that these enforcement actions were politically motivated. Activists argue that the presence of armed agents during civic activities is meant to intimidate residents.
Community Impact
Advocates for immigrant rights denounced the actions of federal agents, stating that such tactics create chaos and suppress community rights. The Los Angeles Rapid Response Network, comprising over 50 organizations, condemned the armed presence during a pivotal voting period.
- Location: Cypress Park, California
- Parent: Dennis Quinonez, age 32
- Child: Daughter, nearly 2 years old
- Incident Date: Recent Tuesday
- Charges: Assault, unlawful possession of a firearm
The community continues to rally against the treatment of its members, urging a reevaluation of federal enforcement tactics and their implications for local populations.
