""We wanted people to know that they could fight back. We didn't know what it was going to look like, but we also knew that our community does have rights," said Alejo, 33. "But it is hard to organize your own family into action, especially when there's just so much at stake." The family joined protests, including outside of the Adelanto facility, and packed court hearings to show support - a factor immigration judges often consider when deciding whether to release a detainee on bond."
"One of Alejo's relatives is still locked up at the Adelanto facility, about 90 miles from L.A. Two were deported, including a 22-year-old who, the sisters said, didn't realize the papers he signed sealed his removal to Tijuana. The other relative, unable to endure detention conditions, voluntarily agreed to deportation. ICE did not respond to requests for comment on why Ambiance Apparel, which employs about 150 employees at its warehouse and showroom, was targeted in June or about the operation's outcome."
Immigration attorneys in the Bay Area and Southern California secured the release and long-term representation for 11 men from the Adelanto ICE detention center after an operation at Ambiance Apparel. Family members organized protests, attended court hearings, and showed support to influence bond decisions. One relative remains detained at Adelanto about 90 miles from Los Angeles; two relatives were deported and one agreed to voluntary deportation due to detention conditions. ICE declined to comment on targeting or outcomes. Ambiance denied wrongdoing and emphasized compliance and support for longtime employees; the connection to a 2021 owner sentencing remained unclear.
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