Federal Agents Detain U.S. Citizen’s Toddler During Raid in L.A.
During an immigration enforcement operation in Los Angeles on November 4, 2025, federal agents took a troubling action when they drove off in a detained U.S. citizen’s vehicle with his 1-year-old daughter inside. Witnesses reported the incident occurred at a Home Depot in Cypress Park, where Dennis Quinonez, 32, was confronted by armed agents after allegedly throwing rocks at their vehicle.
According to the L.A. Times, the situation escalated shortly after Quinonez exited his SUV with a hammer. Federal agents had been monitoring him when they observed him putting the hammer in the trunk. As Quinonez allegedly hurled rocks at their vehicle, agents maneuvered their cars to box him in, prompting him to exit his vehicle and shout that his daughter was in the back seat.
As the crowd began to gather, federal agents moved Quinonez and his daughter to a different location to ensure their safety. However, while placing Quinonez into the SUV, one agent discovered a handgun wrapped in a blue bandana. The firearm, reportedly stolen from New York State, was loaded with five rounds of ammunition. Quinonez later claimed the gun belonged to a friend and admitted to throwing rocks at the agents because he believed they were from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
A spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that Quinonez was arrested for assault, and the incident raised serious concerns about the safety of the child involved. “He was arrested for assault, and during his arrest, a pistol was found in his car that is reported stolen out of the state of New York,” the spokesperson stated. Quinonez also has a prior conviction for domestic violence, which prohibits him from possessing a firearm. He has been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Community Response and Child’s Welfare
The incident has sparked outrage among community members and advocacy groups. Linda Toczylowski from the Immigrant Defenders Law Center expressed deep concern over the actions of the federal agents. “It should shock everyone’s conscience that we have masked armed men behaving like that with a U.S. citizen father and a toddler who were just going to run an errand at Home Depot on a random Tuesday,” she remarked.
After the operation, the child was returned to family members. Her grandmother, Maria Avalos, described the distressing state of the toddler upon her return. In a statement to MSNBC reporter Jacob Soboroff, Avalos recounted, “When I picked up my granddaughter from federal agents, she had a dirty diaper, a bruise on her face, and was developing a rash. She was exhausted and cried.”
The situation drew further attention when California Governor Gavin Newsom shared his thoughts on social media, stating simply, “This is sick,” in response to the reports.
In addition to Quinonez, five other undocumented immigrants were arrested during the operation, according to DHS officials. Their criminal records reportedly included charges for DUI, driving without a license, and prior deportations from the United States.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the case raises significant questions about the conduct of federal agents during immigration operations, particularly regarding the treatment of U.S. citizens and their families. The implications of this incident will likely resonate within the community and across the nation as discussions around immigration enforcement continue.
