BREAKING: Felony charges have been dropped against two Southern California healthcare workers who intervened during an ICE raid. Jose Ortega and Danielle Davila, employees at the Ontario Advanced Surgical Center, were initially accused of assaulting federal officers and conspiring to interfere with an immigration arrest. This urgent development means the duo now faces only misdemeanor charges.
In a dramatic incident on July 2023, Ortega and Davila stepped in as ICE agents attempted to detain Denis Guillen, a landscaper. Video footage captured their intervention, which sparked widespread community support. The U.S. Attorney’s Office confirmed the reduction of charges, a significant shift in this high-profile case.
This decision has resonated deeply within the community, particularly among Latino activists. Attorney Carlos Juarez, representing Ortega, emphasized the political implications of the case, calling it “a political arrest” and a “political ploy on the part of Washington.”
After the ruling at the Riverside Federal Courthouse, Davila expressed her gratitude for the public’s backing. “It’s been really incredible to feel all the support, and I truly appreciate it,” she stated. Meanwhile, Ortega explained their actions were guided by workplace protocol, saying, “We were informed to ask for identification and warrants before letting any type of agents into our office.”
Guillen, the individual targeted by ICE, was taken to the Adelanto Detention Center but later opted to return voluntarily to Honduras. Despite the ongoing legal challenges, both Ortega and Davila affirmed their commitment to their cause. “They did the right thing,” Juarez reiterated. “And if it was to happen again, they would do it again.”
As the situation continues to unfold, the community remains vigilant, watching closely for further developments. The implications of this case extend beyond the courtroom, highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement and community rights in the United States.
