A nine-month pregnant U.S. citizen was detained by immigration agents in Hawthorne, California, and later hospitalized due to sharp stomach pains. Cary Lopez was arrested near 120th Street and Hawthorne Way on Sunday while with her undocumented husband. The federal agents accused her of obstructing their operation, although she said she was only trying to protect her unborn child.
Lopez said agents arrived in marked vehicles and surrounded them on private property. She told the agents they had no right to be there and asked them to leave. The agents claimed she was blocking their arrest when she stood in front of the doors to prevent them from forcing entry.
During the arrest, Lopez said she lost her balance as an agent pushed her. She leaned forward to shield her stomach from harm. Her due date was about a week away, and doctors began closely monitoring her health and that of her baby after the incident.
Lopez, her husband, his coworker, and her cousin were all taken into custody. Lopez was not provided with any legal documents or citations related to the obstruction allegation. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has not responded to requests for comment on the case.
This incident raises concerns about the treatment of pregnant women and U.S. citizens during immigration enforcement actions. Experts note that citizens have rights that should protect them from wrongful detention. The health risks associated with detaining pregnant women remain a key issue.
Lopez was told that immigration officials would contact her regarding the obstruction claim, but no formal charges have been presented. The community remains attentive as more information becomes available.
