A Los Angeles street vendor, Jorge Cruz, is in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody after being detained shortly after dropping off his four children at school. His wife, Carmen, described the moment as frightening and unexpected, saying that their truck was surrounded by several ICE vehicles and that her husband was taken away calmly in front of her.
Cruz, originally from Mexico City, came to the United States when he was only five years old. He has lived in the country for decades and built his life in Los Angeles. He married Carmen, a U.S. citizen, in 2014. After their marriage, he received a green card, which allowed him to live and work in the U.S. legally. Carmen said that his sudden arrest has left their children scared and confused.
According to Carmen, Cruz called soon after his arrest to tell her he was being held in a detention center in Los Angeles. The next day, he was transferred to another facility in Adelanto, about 90 miles away. The family and his lawyer say they are still trying to understand why he was detained.
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Longtime Street Vendor and Community Figure
Cruz has been working as a street vendor since he was 11 years old. Over time, he built his food business, Del Mar Fruits and More. It grew into a large operation with 25 food carts and 10 employees. His stands sell fruit, hot dogs, corn, and fresh drinks. They are now a familiar part of Santa Monica street life.
Community groups and organizations have spoken out in his defense. They describe him as an important part of the city’s cultural and arts community. He has also taken part in public art events. At these events, his work as a street vendor was recognized as part of Los Angeles’ creative identity.
Supporters said in a joint statement that Cruz is more than just a vendor — he is part of the city’s social fabric. They urged people to show solidarity, warning that cases like his highlight unequal treatment under the law.
Carmen believes the arrest may be linked to a past dispute with another vendor. Months ago, both men were taken into custody after a verbal altercation, but the charges were later dropped. His immigration lawyer, Mackenzie W. Mackins, explained that despite his green card, past minor infractions related to vending without permits have made it harder for him to become a citizen.
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Legal Battle and Community Support
Attorney Mackins confirmed that she has represented Cruz for years in efforts to secure U.S. citizenship. She said that old arrests — mainly linked to vending — have stood in the way of his naturalization process. She added that his status as a lawful permanent resident makes the case complex, but stressed that he has strong family ties and no history of violent crime.
Critics of the government’s immigration enforcement policies say that Cruz’s case is an example of unfair targeting of long-term residents. Supporters point out that he has lived in the United States nearly his entire life, is raising four U.S.-born children, and has worked hard to provide for his family and employees.
Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, has defended ICE’s actions in previous statements, rejecting claims that the agency conducts raids at schools or unfairly targets parents. She argued that the agency is carrying out lawful enforcement and that media coverage has created unnecessary fear.
Meanwhile, Jorge Cruz remains in detention, with Carmen and their children anxiously awaiting updates. Mackins said the next step will be a bond hearing, where letters of support from the community may play an important role. Supporters have already started gathering hundreds of messages to present to the court in hopes of securing his release.