Community Responses to ICE Actions in Ontario, California
While the Trump administration pushes forward with its mission to remove dangerous illegal immigrants from communities, civic organizations in Ontario, California, are taking a different route. They have begun placing billboards aimed at raising awareness about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities in the area.
A group called Dedicated is working to inform the public about where ICE has detained individuals, with messages proclaiming, “ICE stole someone here.”
Michael Rios, an individual who has reportedly installed over 20 of these signs, referred to ICE’s actions as akin to “abduction.” He explained, “(The immigration sweeps) usually take place around 6 a.m.—you know, before people head off to work or when kids are getting ready for school. It’s intentionally timed so that fewer people are aware of what’s happening.”
He further noted that without visible signs of these detentions, the community often remains oblivious to the impact of such actions. “If you don’t see it, you might not realize how deeply affected we are by these abductions,” Rios added.
Another participant in the initiative expressed concern for children, stating they are perhaps the most deeply affected by these actions. Each billboard features artwork of a girl releasing balloons, which Andrea Galván described as quite poignant. “This image of a little girl with balloons floating away—it’s really heartbreaking. It symbolizes a loss of innocence, culture, and family connection,” she remarked. “We must do everything possible to shield these children from what’s happening around them.”
It’s worth noting, however, that discussions reported in the media often overlook the fact that many individuals apprehended by ICE have prior criminal histories, particularly involving offenses against children.
For instance, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced recently that over 150 illegal immigrant sex offenders were arrested in Florida. According to a press release,
The operation specifically targeted illegal aliens with convictions for crimes such as child predation, rape, and other violent offenses. In total, over 230 criminal illegal immigrants, which included the 150 sex offenders, were arrested and subsequently removed.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem referred to this operation as “Operation Dirtbag,” highlighting that the focus was on individuals who posed significant risks to children. In her statement, she noted, “The charges include serious offenses such as sexual assault and attempted murder. These 150 illegal aliens will no longer be in our cities, which will make our children safer. This collaboration with Florida’s Governor, Ron DeSantis, represents a model we hope to replicate nationwide.”
