Officials encourage residents to ‘know their rights’ after Border Patrol, ICE conduct operation in Cathedral City

ICE Statement (6/9/25):

"To ensure the safety of our personnel, ICE does not confirm or discuss the existence or status of operations. The agency publicly announces the results of operations when appropriate. As part of its routine operations, ICE arrests aliens who commit crimes and other individuals who have violated our nation’s immigration laws. All aliens in violation of U.S. immigration law may be subject to arrest, detention and, if found removable by final order, removal from the United States, regardless of nationality." -- ICE Spokesperson

Update 6/7/25

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) - Cathedral City and Cathedral City Police issued a statement Saturday morning involving Friday's immigration enforcement.

"Yesterday, we received reports of federal immigration enforcement activities in our community. The City of Cathedral City and Cathedral City Police Department want to emphasize that we do not participate in any civil immigration enforcement activities. Immigration enforcement is the responsibility of federal law enforcement agencies, not local government or police.

The Cathedral City Police Department does not enforce civil immigration laws, nor do we ask about an individual’s immigration status when responding to calls for service. Our focus and priority remain on enforcing state and local laws to ensure the safety and well-being of our diverse community.

In compliance with California state law, the City of Cathedral City and CCPD do not coordinate with, assist in, or receive advance notice of federal immigration operations. We are committed to being a welcoming and inclusive community that follows all applicable state sanctuary laws.

We deeply value diversity, inclusion and public trust within our community, and we want our residents to know that when they call for help, the Cathedral City Police Department will respond, investigate, and protect everyone—regardless of a person’s legal status.

We understand that yesterday’s events may have been frightening and stressful for many in our community. Our strength has always come from how we support one another during difficult times. We encourage residents to know their rights, look out for their neighbors, and remember that Cathedral City remains committed to being a safe and welcoming place for all who call it home."

-Ryan Hunt, Cathedral City Communications and Events Manager.

6/6/25:

News Channel 3 crews arrived to the scene at around 9 am, speaking with several witnesses, some who directly interacted with ICE agents. They told us ICE was asking about their nationality and was asking to see their paperwork.

"They asked us, they told us what nationality we were and if we were Americans. Some of us told them that we didn't have to show them anything, I showed them my documents. They told me that my documents were false and I told them to check my documents. I said my documents are real. They asked me when I got them, I told him in '87," one resident told News Channel 3.

Local pro-immigration groups held a news conference Friday afternoon responding to CBP/ICE activity

We have reached out to CBP and ICE for information.

Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz, whose district represents Cathedral City, issued a statement Friday afternoon, writing he has requested information from ICE:

“I formally requested more information from ICE regarding the raid by masked agents in unmarked vehicles in Cathedral City. I’m actively monitoring the situation and following reports,”

- Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz (CA-25).

News Channel 3's Allie Anthony spoke to Luz Gallegos, a representative from the TODEC Legal Center, an organization that provides legal advice to undocumented people. She said they have been getting calls since 7:45 a.m., with people saying they saw unmarked and Border Patrol cars.

Gallegos said their advice to people in a situation where ICE approaches them and they don’t have documentation to show— they should use their 4th and 5th Amendment rights.

“You have the right to remain silent so do not sign anything, even if you’re asked to sign, you have the right to not sign anything. You have the right to see a judge because everything that we say can be used against us. These are very important strategies and a part of our constitutional rights,” Gallegos said.

TODEC has been actively looking to educate the community about what to do in situations like this.

They also have a service line called “Reporta y Confirma” it's a hotline for people to call in and report Border Patrol or ICE activity at 951-388-2008.

News Channel 3 will have the latest details live starting at 4 pm.