Immigration Agents Detain U.S. Citizen, Drive Off with Toddler

LOS ANGELES — Federal immigration agents detained a man in Cypress Park on Tuesday, while his toddler was strapped into the back seat of his vehicle, according to videos shared with The Times. Witnesses captured footage of the agents entering the car and driving off with the child amid protests from onlookers.

The detainee, 32-year-old Dennis Quinonez, is a U.S. citizen, confirmed an immigration lawyer representing his family. A spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that Quinonez reportedly exited his vehicle wielding a hammer and threw rocks at law enforcement while the child was in his car.

“He was arrested for assault and a stolen pistol was found in his vehicle,” the spokesperson added. Quinonez has since been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition due to a prior domestic violence conviction, according to a federal criminal complaint.

The incident unfolded during a targeted immigration enforcement operation at Home Depot, which resulted in the arrests of five undocumented immigrants from Mexico and Guatemala. Many activists say this was part of a larger pattern of aggressive enforcement in Los Angeles County, especially on the day of the state’s special election.

Lindsay Toczylowski, co-founder of Immigrant Defenders Law Center, stated, “The fact that they were getting into that car, heavily armed, with masks on their face, they put that toddler in extreme danger.” The toddler, who is nearly two years old, has been reunited with her family.

Maria Avalos, Quinonez’s mother, expressed shock over the incident, stating that she did not believe her son would engage in violence, especially in front of his daughter. She received a call from federal agents instructing her to pick up the child later that day.

Activists have decried the use of armed federal agents during such a routine activity as picking up supplies at a store. Many are concerned about the implications for immigrant families and how these operations may deter them from participating in civic duties, such as voting. “The presence of armed federal agents is meant to cause chaos, threaten our community, and ultimately suppress our right to vote,” said a representative from the Los Angeles Rapid Response Network.

As video of the incident circulated, it drew a wide range of reactions. Quinonez’s family is still searching for answers about his whereabouts after his arrest, leaving them feeling unsettled about what transpired. The operation’s timing, coinciding with a significant election day, has raised further concerns among community leaders about the intent behind federal enforcement actions.