Community Corner
Her Dad Was Taken During An Immigration Raid In Long Beach. She's Asking For The Community's Help
Griselda Rodriguez said in an online fundraiser that her father was detained during an immigration raid despite having proper documentation.
LONG BEACH, CA —The daughter of a man who was detained during an immigration raid at a Long Beach car wash this weekend is now asking for the public's help to pay for legal fees.
The raid took place Saturday morning at thte Bixby Knolls Car Wash. Video posted to social media by the nonprofit ORALE in Long Beach shows several federal agents at the business chasing after workers.
At least seven workers were taken by federal agents during the enforcement operation, according to the Long Beach Watchdog.
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On Monday, Griselda Rodriguez created a fundraiser asking for helping raising money to pay for her father's legal fee.
Her father Jesus Rodriguez had lived in the United States for more than 35 years and had all the proper documentation, Griselda said in a statement accompanying the fundraiser. He is still being held by federal agents, she said.
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She said her father "obeyed all the rules" and never had any legal issues prior to being taken from the car wash.
"We come to you in a time of uncertainty," Griselda said. "Please keep my dad and my family in your prayers."
So far the fundrasier has raised $4,755 out of its $5,000 goal. The fundraiser can be found here.
At least one other family has created a family to help their parent who was taken during the car wash raid Saturday.
Karol Mejia said in another fundraiser that her mother is currently being held at the Los Angeles Detention Center after being taken by federal agents during the raid.
Her mother, Karla Martinez Bardales, had lived in the country for over 30 years.
"She worked tirelessly, even on holidays when most were resting, to provide for her family," Mejia said in a statement posted with the fundraiser. "Today, she continues to give selflessly, caring for her granddaughter five days a week and working on weekends to make ends meet."
That fundraiser, which can be found here, has surpassed its $12,000 goal, raising $13,281 to help with legal fees and any other costs.
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