(Federal agents detained a father at a Cypress Park Home Depot parking lot during an immigration raid in Los Angeles last week and drove off with his toddler still strapped in the back seat of his car, prompting fresh questions about how enforcement actions handle the custody of child dependents.)
The man, identified as Dennis Quiñonez, and his toddler are both U.S. citizens, according to family members. The child was later reunited with her grandmother, Maria Avalos, who said the girl arrived with a dirty diaper, a bruise on her face, and was exhausted after the ordeal.
What DHS says about the operation
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said the operation involved about two dozen agents wearing tactical gear and targeted multiple people on site, including day laborers. DHS officials defended the arrest, saying agents were serving a warrant for Quiñonez’s wife, Juliana Milena Ojeda-Montoya, who they allege is in the country without legal status and had been taken into custody in connection with a stabbing of a co-worker.
DHS also disputed some elements seen in videos shared online, stating the child had been seated on her mother’s lap in the front seat of the car when agents approached.
DHS points to underlying criminal allegations and public safety concerns as justification for the scope and tactics of the operation.
Charges and enforcement context
- Quiñonez faces separate charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition because of a prior domestic violence conviction.
- Ojeda-Montoya is alleged to be in the country without legal status and connected to a stabbing investigation, per DHS.
Witnesses described agents carrying assault-style weapons and detaining individuals on or near private property. Immigrant rights groups say such tactics have grown more aggressive and risk sweeping up people who are not targets.
Family and community concerns
The incident unfolded during the morning rush in view of contractors and shoppers, fueling debate about how federal immigration operations intersect with family life—especially when U.S. citizen children become caught in the middle.
Family members and advocates highlighted:
– The distress of mixed-status families who now fear routine errands could result in a parent being separated from a child.
– Calls for transparency on the chain of custody and notification procedures when a child is involved.
– Concerns that even short separations can leave lasting emotional impacts on young children.
Avalos reported the toddler was returned after several hours, appearing distressed and dirty; she said she would seek medical attention for the facial bruise.
Procedures and policy questions
DHS maintains a policy framework intended to consider parental interests and child welfare during arrests and transfers. The agency’s public materials discuss steps for identifying caregivers and making prompt contact with family.
- The department’s approach to arrestees with dependents is described on its site regarding parental interests in immigration enforcement: https://www.ice.gov/keywords/parental-interests-directive.
Despite those policies, the incident has intensified scrutiny on:
– How officers safeguard children during enforcement actions.
– Whether agents paused arrests or took extra steps when children were present.
– If and when child welfare services were notified.
DHS said officers coordinated the handover once it was safe to do so, but officials did not release the precise length of time the toddler remained with agents or confirm whether child welfare services were alerted.
Eyewitness accounts and tactical concerns
Witnesses said about two dozen agents in tactical gear moved quickly through the lot, stopping several people, including day laborers waiting for work.
Key eyewitness concerns:
– Agents used assault-style weapons as they approached vehicles and individuals.
– Heavy visible gear in a crowded area can create confusion and increase the risk of harm.
– When U.S. citizens are involved, officers must take extra care to avoid wrongful detention or excessive force.
Immigration lawyers noted that while such tactics may be permitted for higher-risk arrests, their use in public, crowded spaces can be especially problematic.
Media, public perception, and competing narratives
National monitoring groups say raids and the immediate public response reveal how quickly facts and framing can be contested:
- Short video clips from bystanders can shape early impressions.
- DHS responses, sometimes delayed because of internal reviews, leave room for claims about misconduct to spread.
- DHS’s counter-narrative in this case—emphasizing the mother’s alleged criminal conduct and clarifying the child’s seating—illustrates how contested accounts emerge.
Legal and accountability questions ahead
Attorneys expect closer scrutiny on several legal points:
1. When officers may secure a vehicle with a child inside.
2. Who authorizes transfer of a child to a relative during enforcement actions.
3. How injury claims (for example, a facial bruise) are assessed and documented.
Although custody of child dependents is typically a family court matter, these situations can overlap with federal enforcement when arrests occur in public. Advocates are urging DHS to:
– Release a timeline of the child’s movement from the car to the grandmother.
– Document any medical checks or welfare assessments.
Community response and next steps
- Organizers supporting day laborers plan know-your-rights briefings near the same Home Depot, saying workers fear being swept up during routine morning gatherings.
- Residents and community groups want federal officials to explain why a show of force was necessary in a crowded parking lot.
As the investigation proceeds, the criminal and immigration matters will play out in different courts. For now, the episode highlights a recurring question: when an immigration raid collides with everyday family life, what duty do officers owe to protect a child’s safety and dignity?
DHS says its agents followed procedure. The family’s account raises doubts about how those procedures worked on the ground. The gap between those versions—and the image of a toddler driven away in the back seat—will likely shape public views of enforcement in Los Angeles for months to come.
This Article in a Nutshell
During a Los Angeles Home Depot immigration raid, agents detained Dennis Quiñonez while his toddler remained strapped in the back seat when officers drove off. DHS said about two dozen tactical agents executed a warrant for Quiñonez’s wife, Juliana Ojeda-Montoya, connected to an alleged stabbing and alleged immigration violations. The child was reunited with grandmother Maria Avalos after several hours, visibly distressed and bruised. The episode prompted scrutiny of DHS custody procedures, notification of child welfare services, and use of heavy tactical force in public spaces.
