Activists Track Federal Agent Movements Near Los Angeles Port, Report Intimidation and Arrest
A volunteer group, the Harbor Area Peace Patrol, is meticulously documenting the movements of federal agents entering and exiting a U.S. Coast Guard base and prison complex on Terminal Island near the Port of Los Angeles, raising concerns about immigration enforcement tactics and sparking reports of intimidation.
Beginning in June, the group, founded by Los Angeles public-school teacher Elijah Chiland and his wife Maya Suzuki Daniels, began monitoring activity at the facility after hearing rumors of preparations to arrest anti-ICE demonstrators. “If you would have told me at the beginning of the summer that, three months into this, we would be waking up at ungodly hours to fight fascism, I wouldn’t have believed you,” said Victor Maldonado, a volunteer with the patrol. For 91 consecutive days, volunteers have recorded vehicle traffic, sharing information via Instagram and comparing vehicle sightings with reported immigration raids across Southern California, sometimes as far north as Sacramento. The group has identified vehicles with nicknames like “Christopher Columbus” and “Captain Coexist,” noting attempts by agents to conceal their identities.
The monitoring effort isn’t without risk. On August 8th, volunteer Amanda Trebach was detained by masked agents after photographing vehicles leaving the complex; she alleges she was handcuffed, transported to the facility, and questioned by a Department of Homeland Security agent before being released the following day. DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin alleges Trebach interfered with agents and was arrested for doing so, a claim Trebach disputes. The incident prompted concerns about the potential for escalating tactics, with volunteers reporting being swerved at and subjected to aggressive driving. This increased scrutiny of immigration enforcement activities comes as debates continue regarding the balance between national security and civil liberties, particularly within sanctuary cities like Los Angeles. Further information on immigration policy can be found at the American Civil Liberties Union.
Los Angeles City Council member Tim McOsker has acknowledged the group’s work, stating, “Exposure is not something that ICE wants.” However, the Los Angeles Port Police, while present during Trebach’s detention, did not intervene, citing a limited role and reporting the incident through internal channels. The situation highlights a growing tension between local officials expressing opposition to federal immigration policies and the practical realities of enforcement on the ground. The Harbor Area Peace Patrol intends to continue its daily monitoring, and is collaborating with Unión del Barrio to expand its reach and impact, as detailed on their website.
Officials stated they are reviewing the incident involving Trebach and are committed to upholding the rights of peaceful assembly while ensuring the safety of both the public and federal agents.
