Culver City, California — Nearly a week after Ambrocio Lozano, a beloved local ice cream vendor, was detained by federal agents, hundreds of community members and political leaders gathered at Veterans Memorial Park to demand his release and raise funds for his legal defense.
“Enrique” Taken from His Ice Cream Cart
Lozano, known locally as “Enrique,” was taken from his ice cream cart in a detention operation described by witnesses as involving masked agents in unmarked vehicles.
The vendor had been selling paletas, traditional frozen treats made with fresh fruit, at the Culver City park for nearly two decades.
Outpouring of Support from the Community
Family and friends were outraged by the detention, describing it as inhumane.
“Right now my uncle, with so many people out here. This is so inhumane what’s happening to a lot of people. It’s not OK,” said Kimberly Noriaga, Enrique’s niece, during the rally.
Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove joined the outcry, condemning the manner of his detention. “He was snatched, kidnapped, by folks masked in unmarked cars with no warrants,” she said. Community members described Enrique as a generous figure, often giving free paletas to children who couldn’t afford them.
Despite not being a U.S. citizen, supporters emphasized that he posed no threat to the community and had no criminal record.
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Family’s Fight for Lozano’s Release
Family members are actively working on collecting character statements to petition for a bond hearing in Texas, where Lozano is being held. His niece Mayra Segura expressed hope that they could secure his release. “Once we post bond for him and he’s out, we know he’s going to be okay,” Segura said.
Reports indicated that Lozano has been denied food, subjected to freezing conditions, and blocked from receiving visitors at the detention center.
Legal Advice and Community Action
During the rally, community leaders informed residents of their rights during immigration encounters, including asking for badge numbers, judicial warrants, and whether they were free to leave.
LA County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell urged the community to plan ahead for situations like this.
“Everybody needs to think through if you were standing next to Enrique, what would you have done? Have a plan!” she said.
GoFundMe Set Up for Lozano’s Legal Defense
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help raise bond money and provide support for Lozano’s family, who are now without their primary income source.
What do you think about this case and the support for Enrique? Share your thoughts in the comments below. For more updates on the situation, visit ridgecrestpact.org
