ICE Conducts Targeted Enforcement in Encinitas, Arrests Two

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested two individuals during a targeted operation Friday morning near Park Dale Lane and Village Park Way, just a few blocks from Park Dale Elementary.

This comes two days after ICE agents arrested another man in the same area, sparking backlash from community members and local leaders.

Community Reaction

San Diego County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer shared video of part of the encounter on social media. Advocates criticized the operation during a rally in City Heights Friday afternoon.

“What happened in Encinitas, for example, today, constitutes systemic violations of human rights,” one advocate said.

ICE Statement

ICE confirmed the operation targeted a man with a criminal history that includes child cruelty, assault with a deadly weapon, battery on a peace officer, and more. A second individual, who entered the U.S. illegally, was also arrested.

Patrick Divver, Field Office Director for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations in San Diego, issued the following statement:

“This is another case of misinformed activists who do not understand the lawful enforcement actions taking place, inserting themselves and creating unnecessary risks to themselves, the community, and our officers. These actions hinder our ability to remove individuals who pose a threat to public safety and contribute to misinformation that endangers everyone involved.

ICE San Diego officers carried out a targeted enforcement action against Yohan Diaz, an illegal alien from Mexico with a criminal history including child cruelty, assault with a deadly weapon, battery on a peace officer, obstruction of a public officer, vandalism, and DUI. When officers moved in to arrest Diaz, members of the public interfered with the scene. Diaz violently resisted arrest and became so combative that officers had to fully restrain him, including securing his legs, to protect officer safety and the public. Diaz is in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.

The second individual, Limber Hernandez-Verudgo, an illegal alien from Mexico who entered the United States unlawfully, was also arrested and remains in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.