ICE raids South Philly park, seven arrested, immigration group reports

Community in Shock After ICE Raids in South Philadelphia

Residents of South Philadelphia are still reeling from a recent immigration enforcement operation that left several families in turmoil. The incident, which took place at Mifflin Square Park on Monday, involved the arrest of seven men, according to local advocacy group Juntos. The organization reported that families reached out to them following the event, and the Mexican consulate confirmed that four of the detained individuals were Mexican nationals.

The details surrounding the raid remain unclear. It is not yet known why ICE was present at the Whitman-area park or how the men were identified for detention. As of Tuesday, officials in Philadelphia had not responded to requests for comment.

Mifflin Square Park has long been a gathering spot for immigrant and refugee communities, particularly those of Latino and Asian descent. Those who were taken into custody were described by neighbors and advocates as construction workers and family men, some of whom had lived in the U.S. for many years. The sudden nature of the arrests has left many in the community shaken.

Erika Guadalupe, executive director of Juntos, criticized the targeting of these individuals, saying it reflects a harmful perception that undocumented immigrants are isolated, unemployed, and without stable housing. “That framing doesn’t reflect the reality of the families we have spoken with, who are connected, working, and part of the community,” she said.

Andres Clemente, 54, witnessed the event as he was taking his morning walk. He saw four men in civilian clothing heading toward the eastern side of the park when agents in ICE and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives vests began surrounding a group of men. Clemente, who carries all his documents with him at all times, expressed fear for the safety of the community. Since a similar ICE raid in June, he has avoided spending time with other Latinos to avoid drawing attention.

ICE activity in the Philadelphia region has increased significantly since President Donald Trump’s inauguration. The city is listed among the latest sanctuary jurisdictions, despite Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s claim that Philadelphia is a “welcoming city.” As the administration continues its plan for one of the largest deportation campaigns in U.S. history, public support for its policies has declined. However, deportations have risen by 80% in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and more local police agencies are partnering with ICE.

Clemente knew five of the men arrested. Four were from Mexico, and one from Honduras. All were between 30 and 50 years old and worked in construction. A gray truck filled with buckets, concrete mixers, and tools was seen parked along Fifth Street on Tuesday, symbolizing the livelihoods of those affected.

Robert Freeman, 54, has lived in the area since 1982 and often sat with friends at the park. He was there when the arrests occurred but could not understand why the men were targeted. “They were just sitting there, weren’t bothering anyone,” he said. “It’s not right; I didn’t see them drinking, we were actually drinking and they didn’t come to us or do anything.”

A block away, Ana, who asked to keep her last name private due to fear of retaliation, sat on a stoop, calm but visibly upset. Her husband, Abelardo Carrión, had been taken during the raid. The couple has lived in South Philadelphia for 14 years, raising an 18-year-old daughter and a 9-year-old son. They recently celebrated their 1-year-old granddaughter’s birthday.

Ana learned about the raid through Angelica, another woman whose last name was also withheld. She said the men had stopped at the park to celebrate Mexico’s Independence Day before going to work. Carrión, 34, was described as a hardworking father who provided for his family and enjoyed spending time with his children.

“My son keeps asking if his dad is going to be deported to Mexico, and I don’t know what to tell him,” Ana said. “I just want [Carrión] to try and stay strong, because we are still here trying to help him no matter what.”

Last night, Carrión was able to call his wife briefly to say he was at ICE’s headquarters near Arch Street. Raúl Esperon, 39, was also at the same location and was able to update his wife, Angelica, on his whereabouts.

Angelica remains puzzled about why ICE targeted the group. She has had to explain her husband’s absence to their 6- and 10-year-old daughters. “They were doing something they shouldn’t have been, but he is hard working, pays taxes, and one mistake changed everything,” she said.