Masked federal agents were recorded detaining a Highland Park vendor while he was preparing food for the community on the 4th of July.
A senior official with the Department of Homeland Security confirmed the arrest to KTLA on Sunday, saying that the detainee — identified as Luis Thomas Mejia-Canil — is from Guatemala and had overstayed his visa in the U.S.
Family members said Mejia-Canil was arrested on Friday morning in front of the Target located on Eagle Rock Boulevard and El Paso.
The video of Mejia-Canil’s arrest, shared on TikTok by user @ceelokk23_, shows a masked U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent handcuffing the vendor behind his work station.
More agents are then seen assisting with the arrest, eventually bringing Mejia-Canil into an unmarked SUV before driving off.
The spokesperson said individuals who are undocumented “can take control of their departure” through utilizing the CBP Home App, and added that the United States is offering $1,000 to those who do so, as well as a free flight to self-deport now.
“We encourage every person here illegally to take advantage of this offer and reserve the chance to come back to the U.S. the right legal way to live the American dream,” read the statement. “If not, you will be arrested and deported without a chance to return.”
Mejia-Canil’s brother organized a GoFundMe to raise money for a lawyer. “He’s a hard working man,” read the description. “He also needs to feed his family and 3 kids. I will appreciate a lot for your help and support.”
