ICE agents arrested a Mexican national accused of rape in Baldwin Park as riots continue throughout Los Angeles over immigration enforcement actions.

At a Glance

• Federal agents arrested Arturo Terron-Quevedo, an illegal Mexican national, in Baldwin Park on charges of rape and assault
• The arrest occurred amid ongoing anti-ICE protests and riots in Los Angeles that have resulted in nearly 200 arrests
• ICE has arrested over 330 illegal immigrants in the LA area, many with criminal records including child abusers and violent offenders
• Baldwin Park officials maintain they do not participate in federal immigration enforcement while supporting all residents
• Trump administration deployed National Guard troops and Marines to restore order in Los Angeles

Federal Agents Make Arrest in Baldwin Park

Federal agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) apprehended Arturo Terron-Quevedo, an illegal Mexican national, in Baldwin Park on charges of rape and assault. The arrest was conducted by an ICE officer and an IRS criminal investigator after Terron-Quevedo’s release from local custody. This operation comes as part of a broader enforcement action across Los Angeles that has triggered widespread protests, civil unrest, and heated debate about immigration policies in California communities.

Despite the controversy, ICE officials maintain they are focusing enforcement efforts on dangerous criminals who pose threats to public safety. The Department of Homeland Security released details of multiple arrests made during operations in Los Angeles on June 8, including individuals convicted of child molestation, domestic violence, vehicular manslaughter, and fraud—highlighting their prioritization of removing violent offenders from communities.

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— Brigitte Gabriel (@ACTBrigitte) June 9, 2025

Local Response to Federal Actions

Baldwin Park officials have taken a measured stance in response to the federal operation in their city. Mayor Alejandra Avila expressed support for all community members, including undocumented residents, while the Baldwin Park Police Department clarified its position on immigration enforcement. Local authorities emphasized that while federal operations continue, the city maintains its commitment to all residents regardless of immigration status.

“As Mayor, I speak and advocate for all members of our community, including our undocumented immigrant residents. The City firmly supports your membership in our community. I recognize that for many this is a scary time, and I hope you know that the City of Baldwin Park and Baldwin Park Police Department support the wellbeing of all our residents.”, Mayor Alejandra Avila said.

Baldwin Park Police Chief Robert Lopez clarified that local police are not participating in federal immigration enforcement activities. This position reflects the tension many California municipalities face between cooperating with federal authorities and maintaining trust with immigrant communities. The city’s approach highlights the complex balance local governments must strike when federal immigration operations occur within their jurisdictions.

Federal Officials Defend Enforcement Actions

Department of Homeland Security officials have strongly defended the operations, citing the criminal backgrounds of those arrested. According to DHS, ICE has arrested at least 330 illegal immigrants in the Los Angeles area during recent operations. Among those detained were individuals with serious criminal convictions, including Emiliano Garduno-Galvez, who was charged with attempted murder for allegedly throwing a Molotov cocktail at LA County sheriff’s deputies.

“These heinous criminals, including child abusers and pedophiles, are some of the illegal aliens arrested yesterday in Los Angeles. Why do Governor Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass care more about violent criminal illegal aliens than they do about protecting their own citizens?”, stated the Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin

Other notable arrests included Eswin Uriel Castro, previously deported and convicted of multiple crimes including child molestation; Anastacio Enrique Solis-Salinas, convicted of domestic violence and arrested for child cruelty; Rafael Gamez-Sanchez, convicted of vehicular manslaughter; and Miguel Angel Palafox-Montes, convicted of grand theft. Federal officials argue these arrests demonstrate their focus on removing dangerous individuals rather than conducting indiscriminate raids.

Ongoing Unrest in Los Angeles

The Baldwin Park arrest occurred against the backdrop of six days of anti-ICE protests that have spread beyond Los Angeles to other cities. The demonstrations, triggered by ICE raids on locations where illegal immigrants gather for work, have escalated into riots and looting in some areas. Los Angeles authorities imposed an 8 p.m. curfew to control the situation, resulting in nearly 200 arrests, while federal charges have been filed against at least 14 individuals involved in the protests.

President Trump responded to the escalating situation by deploying National Guard troops and Marines to restore order in Los Angeles. The federal response underscores the administration’s determination to continue immigration enforcement operations despite local opposition. As tensions remain high, communities like Baldwin Park find themselves at the intersection of federal policy implementation and local community concerns.