Tragic Collision: Man Escaping Home Depot Incident Struck and Killed on 210 Freeway

A man tragically lost his life on the 210 Freeway after fleeing from federal agents conducting a raid at a Home Depot in Monrovia. Monrovia City Manager Dylan Feik confirmed his death later that day in the hospital. The California Highway Patrol is now investigating the incident.

Reports began around 9:43 a.m. when people claimed to see possible immigration agents at the Home Depot. In a statement, the Department of Homeland Security clarified that they were not pursuing the individual who was struck.

A day laborer, wanting to remain anonymous, described how he regularly visits that Home Depot. On that day, he heard the alarm, “La migra, corre” — meaning “Immigration, run!” He began recording the chaos. While he managed to avoid detention, he felt helpless for his friends.

As workers scattered, one man jumped a wall and ran onto the freeway. Minutes later, Monrovia Fire & Rescue responded to a call about a pedestrian being hit. Vincent Enriquez, a driver who witnessed the aftermath, said the man was still alive when he passed by. Unfortunately, he didn’t make it.

Robert Chao Romero, a UCLA professor and Monrovia resident, expressed his sorrow. “It’s heart-wrenching,” he said. “These ICE policies are driving people to their deaths.” Local resident Karen Suarez spoke with the man’s daughter, who was distraught and searching for updates about her father.

That evening, around 50 people gathered outside the Home Depot, holding signs and chanting against ICE policies. They paid tribute with flowers and candles at the spot where the man was hit.

The California Highway Patrol is seeking surveillance footage from nearby businesses as part of their investigation. Feik mentioned that the city had not heard from ICE regarding the operation.

According to Palmira Figueroa of the National Day Laborer Organizing Network, 13 people were detained during the raid. Pablo Alvarado, a co-director of the network, shared that another worker had been hit by a vehicle believed to be driven by an immigration agent.

Rising concerns about ICE operations reflect a broader trend. In the past year, immigration raids have become more frequent, particularly in places where day laborers gather, like Home Depot. A federal judge even issued a temporary restraining order to prevent agents from targeting individuals based on their race or location.

This incident is a stark reminder of the human cost tied to immigration enforcement. Activist Ron Gochez stressed the need for accountability from both the government and Home Depot for the tragedy. Echoing this sentiment, many are pushing for continued boycotts against the store due to its connection to ICE activities.

Sadly, this is not the first time such an incident has occurred. In July, Jaime Alanís Garcia died during a raid at a farm, highlighting ongoing concerns surrounding immigration enforcement and public safety. As tensions rise, communities are left grappling with the impact of these policies on their everyday lives.



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