A Columbia Heights resident was taken into custody Feb. 12 by federal immigration enforcement agents who allegedly posed as motorists needing car assistance outside his home.
Miguel Flores wrote on GoFundMe that his father, Jesus Flores, was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that afternoon. He described his father as hardworking and said he provided for his children.
According to the GoFundMe page, two women approached the family’s door at about 1 p.m. and later were identified as ICE agents. The post states they knocked and asked Jesus Flores for help with car problems before detaining him.
“This unexpected situation has left our family shocked, scared, heartbroken and searching for answers,” Miguel wrote. “He is leaving behind four children who depend on him everyday.”
The post states the children include a 6-year-old son, a 7-year-old daughter in need of multiple surgeries, a 9-year-old son and a 25-year-old son diagnosed with autism.
“We are facing overwhelming expenses with our house, basic living expenses, legal fees while we fight to bring him home and keep our family together,” Miguel wrote.
Miguel wrote that the family is seeking an attorney willing to take the case.
Surveillance footage reviewed by ABC Newspapers shows that at about 1:11 p.m., a gray vehicle pulled into the driveway. Two individuals exited, raised the hood and walked to the rear of the vehicle. At about 1:13 p.m., one individual entered a neighboring driveway.
At 1:14 p.m., a man identified by the family as Jesus Flores walked with the individuals to the vehicle and appeared to examine the open hood. The individuals, whose voices identify them as women, spoke with him.
At 1:15 p.m., three additional vehicles arrived and surrounded the car. Several agents exited and detained Flores as he attempted to move away. He was handcuffed by 1:16 p.m. An agent then closed the hood of the vehicle.
Flores was placed into a van. An individual can be heard asking his name, which he provides. Most of the vehicles departed by 1:17 p.m.
ABC Newspapers has contacted ICE for comment and is awaiting a response.