Mayor Nancy Ross Speaks Out After Friend Detained and Deported by ICE

With increased federal immigration activity in the Coachella Valley, Cathedral City Mayor Pro Tem Nancy Ross is speaking out. At last week’s city council meeting, Ross described how a close friend was recently detained by ICE agents and deported to southern Mexico.

According to Ross, her friend was pulled over on Ramon Road. “He was asked to roll down his window. He said he would not. They said, ‘We will break your window,’ which they had the right to do,” Ross said. Her friend eventually stepped out of the car, was handcuffed, and taken to the airport.

“There were many other men of color waiting there, other people like my friend. They were all put onto an airplane and sent to Tabasco, Mexico — the farthest south you can go, right up against Guatemala,” she said.

Ross acknowledged the importance of following laws but criticized what she called "grab and steal" tactics, adding, “Where are our people? Those are our people — your people, my people.”

She also used the opportunity to educate residents on their rights if immigration agents arrive at their homes:

• Do not open the door unless ICE presents a warrant signed by a judge.

• Ask why they’re there and request an interpreter if needed.

• A search warrant allows entry only to the areas and items listed.

• An arrest warrant allows entry if the named person is believed to be inside.

• ICE warrants (Form I-200 or I-205) are administrative and do not authorize entry without consent.

Ross advised residents to ask ICE officers to slide warrants under the door or hold them up to a window for inspection.

Meanwhile, local organizations like TODEC are stepping in to help, offering services such as grocery deliveries for those fearful of leaving home due to increased immigration enforcement.

NBC Palm Springs' Antonio Marquez has the full report available at NBCPalmSprings.com.

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