Federal Agents Search Homes of Three Southern California Immigration Activists
Agents with Homeland Security Investigations executed pre-dawn search warrants on May 13 at the homes and business of three southern California immigration activists. The searches targeted members of VC Defensa, a volunteer group that organizes neighborhood patrols and a rapid response hotline for immigrants in Ventura County.
pbs.orgFederal agents with Homeland Security Investigations conducted pre-dawn searches on May 13 at the homes and business of three southern California immigration activists associated with VC Defensa. The group organizes neighborhood ICE-watch patrols and operates a rapid response hotline for immigrants in Ventura County.
The homes of Leonardo Martinez, Alexandria Quintanar, and one additional current or former volunteer were searched. Agents seized phones, computers, a USB drive, knives, and other items from Martinez's home and screen-printing business. No arrests were made during the operation.
Defensa formed shortly before President Trump's second term and now has more than 1,000 volunteers. The organization conducts early-morning patrols to observe ICE activity, provides legal resources and family support when arrests occur, and holds "know your rights" trainings.
Group members were previously arrested during an October operation connected to protests over immigration raids at cannabis greenhouses last July. Those raids resulted in the death of a farm worker and hundreds of ICE arrests.
Reem Yassin, the group's lawyer, described the May 13 searches as "fishing expeditions" built on "baseless" search warrants. Yassin said a coalition of lawyers is preparing a civil lawsuit alleging violations of the volunteers' constitutional rights.
A DHS spokesperson stated that HSI executed search warrants on "individuals associated with an anti-ICE organization" and noted that several members have been previously arrested for ambushing federal law enforcement and destruction of government property.
The spokesperson said individuals who assault law enforcement officers will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law under President Trump.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
4 events- May 2025
Volunteer Mitch Lillie received more than 80 calls from unknown numbers after an ICE patrol.
1 sourceThe Guardian - October 2025
Several VC Defensa members were arrested during an HSI operation linked to greenhouse protests.
1 sourceThe Guardian - May 13, 2026
HSI agents executed search warrants at three activists' homes and one business.
1 sourceThe Guardian - May 14, 2026
Group lawyer Reem Yassin held a press conference in Los Angeles criticizing the raids.
1 sourceThe Guardian
Potential Impact
- 01
VC Defensa plans to file a civil lawsuit alleging constitutional violations.
- 02
The group may adjust patrol tactics or increase legal preparedness.
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