Residents Report ICE Activity Near Cathedral City Target, Officials Stress No Local Involvement

Valley residents are reporting the presence of federal ICE agents in Cathedral City, prompting concern across the community. Witnesses say multiple unmarked vehicles were seen circling the Target shopping center on East Palm Canyon Drive early this morning.

Employees at nearby businesses, including Starbucks and Castañeda’s Mexican Food, told NBC Palm Springs they observed eight or nine unmarked vehicles in the parking lot, with agents going in and out of the cars. Some businesses temporarily locked their doors as a precaution and alerted neighboring stores.

The reports come amid heightened anxiety following a series of ICE-related arrests across Cathedral City, Indio and Palm Springs last week. One employee described the situation as “a very scary time” for workers and residents in the area.

In response, the City of Cathedral City released a statement emphasizing it is not involved in any federal immigration enforcement activities. City officials say Cathedral City Police do not coordinate with ICE, do not enforce civil immigration laws, and do not ask about immigration status when responding to calls for service, in accordance with California law.

NBC Palm Springs has reached out for additional information and will continue to follow developments as they become available.