CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA — A Culver City community is in shock after Ambrocio Lozano, known locally as Enrique, a beloved ice cream vendor, was suddenly detained by immigration agents on June 23.
What Happened?
Around 1 p.m. that day, Lozano, who has been selling ice cream in Culver City for nearly 20 years, set up his usual cart near Veterans Memorial Park on Culver Boulevard.
According to his family, he was surrounded by a group of masked immigration agents, who immediately took him into custody.
His ice cream cart was left behind on the sidewalk as he was placed in an unmarked vehicle and driven to an unknown location.
His family was unable to contact him, and no information was provided about where he was being held. Lozano’s niece, Kimberly Noriega, expressed her confusion and distress.
“We don’t even know if he’s going to be deported,” said Noriega. “He doesn’t even know where they’re sending him to.”
A Beloved Fixture in the Community
Lozano, originally from Mexico, had lived in South Los Angeles for nearly two decades, alongside his wife. Friends and neighbors have expressed outrage over the detention, as Lozano was a well-known, friendly figure in the area.
Many residents described him as someone who always greeted children with smiles and offered ice cream, even to those who couldn’t afford to pay.
“He was always so kind. He never turned away a kid, even if they didn’t have money,” said Jennifer Arthur, a neighbor. “He was the face of joy in our community.”
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Community Response
The community’s reaction has been one of disbelief and frustration. Many expressed confusion over the actions of the immigration agents, particularly since they did not provide identification or an arrest warrant.
“That doesn’t sound legal to me,” said Lorri Wressell, another neighbor. “I would think you’d need paperwork. It just seems crazy.”
One resident, John Derevlany, voiced his frustration: “We hear a lot about how they’re catching gang members and murderers, but really, who they’re taking is our ice cream men, our nannies, and our gardeners.”
Lozano’s Family in Distress
Lozano’s niece said he was the primary provider for his family, and the situation has left them devastated. “It’s so sad to see because they’re just out there trying to find work to do,” Noriega said. “They’re trying to provide for their families and it’s not okay.”
Before being taken, Lozano was able to call his wife, letting her know what was happening. He told her where his cart was and expressed his love for her before the phone went dead.
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Update on Lozano’s Whereabouts
Later, on Wednesday night, Lozano managed to contact his family again, informing them that he was being held at a detention center in downtown L.A. Federal officials have not provided further details on his case.
Fundraising for Legal Fees
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help cover Lozano’s legal fees as his family works to navigate the situation. The community continues to rally behind him, hoping for a swift resolution and the safe return of their beloved ice cream man.
What Do You Think?
Do you think immigration agents should target workers like Lozano who are providing for their families, or should their efforts be focused on other matters? Share your thoughts in the comments below on RidgecrestPact.org.
