In a heartbreaking and emotional clip, the showing of the interior of an ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) van has ignited fiery outrage and renewed criticism of U.S. immigration enforcement practices. As circulated by different social media sites like Instagram, the video surfaced in connection with a recent incident in which a mother of six was detained during an early morning immigration raid.
The woman, whose name is Luz Del Carmen Herrera, was separated from her kids and placed in federal custody, leaving her husband, Eduardo Duarte, alone to care for their six daughters. As the ICE authorities dragged her, she kept saying, ” I am getting an anxiety attack, love,” to her husband, as kids screaming and crying in the background could be heard. She then said in Spanish, “No puedo respirar” (“I can’t breathe”),
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Duarte was filmed by another person as he was in tears after his wife was forcefully dragged into a van and driven away. He told the officers, “Treat her well.” Hysterically murmuring in Spanish, he said his daughters were waiting for him. Furthermore, he revealed his frustration and said ” they suck, the f-cking government.”
Critics assert that the policies and methods employed by ICE, including the use of unmarked vans with no windows or ventilation, are not only psychologically damaging but also in violation of international human rights standards. Many people circulated the video and called out the Trump administration.
Herrera’s husband, Eduardo Duarte, said that she was doing the immigration process the legal way, and there was no need for the ICE to drag her and forcefully take her. He also mentioned that the case was dropped, and it was a shame that Trump’s government had made this ruthless move.
“We’re witnessing policies that dehumanize people and traumatize children,” said Dr. Malik Johnson, a human rights attorney. “This is not just a U.S. issue—it’s a global concern. Democracies worldwide are watching, and what they see is deeply troubling.” Many share stories of similar experiences, while others demand legislative change and greater accountability for ICE.
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However, despite the horrible cases, the ongoing protests in Los Angeles due to the federal government’s actions have been seen as a direct attack on immigrant communities, along with civil unrest. California Governor Gavin Newsom accused the 78-year-old of turning his regime into an authoritarian style of governance. There seems to be no apology or accountability from President Donald Trump or any administration member. Yet, public pressure appears to be building up as judges and protesters are angry and want answers from the government.
After thousands of people viewed the video, comments flocked to it. One user, @Birgit_bib, wrote, “I am from Germany. We know what fascism looks like. Please stand up and fight before it is too late.”
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Another user, @caramelraysofsun, wrote, “I hate this man with every fiber in me. This is just disgusting, and everyone that voted for him… I WILL NEVER FORGIVE YOU! @gesichtmann wrote, “Keep the immigrants, deport the republicans.” The rest of the people in the comments just empathised with the little kids crying and cursed the government’s actions.
In a similar case a few weeks ago, The Independent reported that Martir Garcia Lara, a fourth-grade Torrance Elementary School student, was detained by U.S. immigration authorities after attending a court appointment with his father in Houston on May 29. According to the school’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA), the father-son duo were unexpectedly separated and taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
As the immigration debate intensifies, one question looms large: How long can a society claim to defend freedom, dignity, and family values while isolating parents from children and sealing them in silence and fear? This latest incident may well serve as a wake-up call for America and every democracy that claims to stand for justice and human rights.
