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Francisco Urizar: California Tortilla Delivery Driver Detained by ICE After 35 Years in the U.S.

Wednesday, June 25, 2025 by Felix Ortiz

On June 17, Francisco Urizar, a 64-year-old Guatemalan national, was apprehended by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers while making a tortilla delivery at a store in Pico Rivera, California, as reported by Univision. After his arrest, Urizar's whereabouts remained unknown for several days, leaving his family in distress until his daughter, Nancy Urizar, briefly spoke with him to confirm his detention at the ICE Processing Center in Adelanto, California.

Having lived in the United States for 35 years, Urizar's family is now seeking legal assistance and support from non-governmental organizations to prevent his deportation back to Guatemala, a country he left over three decades ago to escape guerrilla violence. The specifics of his legal status remain unclear, including whether there was an outstanding warrant for his arrest or if his appearance led to his detainment.

The incident gained media attention due to video footage captured by onlookers witnessing Urizar's detainment outside the 'Food 4 Less' store in Pico Rivera, Los Angeles, where he was set to deliver a tortilla order. These bystanders shared the footage on social media, allowing his employer to identify him. Nancy Urizar has called for public support to raise awareness about her father's situation.

Since President Donald Trump's return to office in January 2025, there has been a marked increase in the detention and deportation of immigrants with prior deportation orders (I-220B) or criminal records. This crackdown also extends to individuals who entered the U.S. legally under humanitarian parole or with I-220A status, with some being arrested immediately after closing their asylum cases in court.

Anti-immigrant raids have predominantly occurred in Democratic states. In Los Angeles, California, these actions have sparked widespread protests, even leading to the imposition of curfews.

Key Questions about ICE Detentions and Deportations

What led to Francisco Urizar's arrest?

The reasons behind Francisco Urizar's arrest remain unclear. It is unknown if he had a prior warrant or if his appearance contributed to his detention by ICE.

How has the Trump administration affected immigration enforcement?

Since President Trump's return in 2025, there has been an increase in the enforcement of deportation orders, affecting immigrants with previous deportation orders or those with humanitarian parole who have closed asylum cases.

What actions have been taken in Los Angeles in response to ICE raids?

In Los Angeles, mass protests against ICE raids have occurred, leading to the declaration of curfews in response to the public outcry.

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