Masked officers arrest man in Cathedral City, prompting civil rights concerns

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ)  - Masked officers detained at least one man during an operation on Tuesday.

The law enforcement action prompted concerns from some community members.

The incident, captured on video and sent to News Channel 3, shows a bystander repeatedly asking for badge numbers from the officers, who said they aren't from the area.

The viewer who sent in the video stated that the incident occurred in Cathedral City.

The TODEC Legal Center, corroborated this information saying that one person was arrested and that they are providing legal assistance to the family members.

Rosa Elena Sahagun, attorney, said she’s seeing an increase in similar encounters, particularly in the Coachella Valley.

“You should ask who they are and why you’re being detained," Sahagun said. "That is very important.”

She said while people do have the right to know who is detaining them, she's not seeing law enforcement honor that right.

"Under this current government, our rights are being trampled daily and families are being abducted,” Sahagun said.

Officials have not yet confirmed which agency conducted the detention.

Sahagun said she plans to continue monitoring the situation and provide legal support for those affected.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has said it prioritizes the arrest and removal of non-citizen criminals, particularly those who pose a threat to public safety or national security.

This includes individuals with criminal convictions, those with pending criminal charges, and those who have violated immigration laws, such as re-entering the U.S. after deportation.

ICE says it also focuses on identifying and removing individuals who have engaged in fraudulent activities related to immigration.