Federal agents and officers cleared the scene after law enforcement activity drew a crowd earlier today, Pasadena Police Department officials said.
Officers were called to 144 West Houston Avenue in Pasadena to assist with crowd control after a gathering formed outside the residence.
A department spokesperson said the Department of Homeland Security appeared to be leading the operation and was believed to be executing a warrant at the property.
Our Sky 2 Chopper was over the scene and captured the law enforcement presence.
PPD was not involved in the investigation itself, only providing support to maintain order.
Earlier in the day, a foot pursuit ended at a washateria near Richey Street and West Southmore Avenue, also in Pasadena. That incident was led by DHS as well.
Officials added that Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted multiple warrant operations throughout Pasadena today.
Margarita Barrón says her husband, brother and a co-worker were all arrested. She doesn’t know why they were taken but admitted that her husband and her brother were undocumented.
It was just before sunrise when home security cameras captured ICE agents arriving and demanding the men inside come out.
“They said if they didn’t turn themselves in, they would throw tear gas inside the home,” Barrón said in Spanish
Barrón, who does not speak English, told KPRC 2 that her family is from the Mexican state of San Luis Potosi.
When asked how long she has been in the United States, she replied, “12 years.” She said her husband has been here since he was 13 or 14.
Barrón said it was a normal morning when her husband left for work around 5 a.m., but he returned shortly after, saying he was being followed by an unknown pickup truck. ICE agents were close behind.
“They began banging very hard on the door, tore off the cameras so we couldn’t see them, and eventually cut off our electricity,” she said.
When asked if she knew why federal agents were after her husband or if he had committed a crime, Barrón said, “No, never any crime. My brother has a deportation because they caught him years ago trying to enter the country. But as far as crime, no. They have never taken a single dollar from anyone.”
Barrón added there were four children inside the home at the time — the oldest 12 years old and the youngest just six months.
When asked if she was scared agents might return, she said, “I’m scared that they’ll take the kids.”
Barrón says she has no idea why agents targeted her husband, brother or their co-worker. She says her focus now is being there for her 10-year-old daughter but worries about her family and when she might be able to speak to them again.