A U.S. citizen was among three people detained Monday when federal agents made their way into a Stater Bros. Markets store in Ontario, according to union leaders and immigrant activists.
Videos recorded on cellphones showed federal agents combing through the aisles of the supermarket around 10 a.m. According to the grocery store, agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement told management they were surveilling an individual who walked into the market. It’s unclear why agents were keeping a tab on that person.
An arrest by federal agents was also filmed taking place nearby. Other footage showed the Ontario Police Department in the area.
Police said officers were responding to a reported assault on a federal agent on the 500 block of West Holt Boulevard.
“Upon arrival, our officers confirmed that the individuals involved were federal agents acting in an official capacity as they attempted to apprehend a wanted individual,” Ontario police said.
In response to the agents’ presence, the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice held a press conference to express their concerns for the community.
“I spoke with a worker who told me that federal agents … stormed into the store, attempted to take down the door of the bathroom, thought there was someone in the attic of the store,” said Mark Ramos, President of UFCW 1428.
Law enforcement did not release the names of the individuals who were detained on Monday.
ICE has not responded to NBC4’s request for comment.