HUMSI — Human Security Initiative

Human Impact Project

A living database documenting reported immigration enforcement incidents and their human impact.

54-year-old tamale vendor suffers heart attack after Border Patrol arrest

A 54-year-old woman who sold tamales at the same Pacoima spot for 10 years was arrested without a warrant, lost consciousness, and suffered a heart attack before being hospitalized.

Jun 19, 2025Pacoima, CACountry of origin: Mexico

54-year-old tamale vendor suffers heart attack after Border Patrol arrest
Photo via Los Angeles Times

During an immigration sweep on June 19 outside a Lowe's store in Pacoima, Border Patrol agents arrested a 54-year-old woman who had sold tamales at the same spot for 10 years, without presenting a warrant. She lost consciousness after being restrained and later suffered a heart attack; witnesses said a bystander identifying herself as a nurse was denied access to help before LAFD paramedics arrived. She was taken to Providence Holy Cross Medical Center, where doctors confirmed a minor heart attack. A U.S. citizen recording the incident was also arrested and detained, and a federal judge later ruled the sweeps violated the 4th Amendment due to racial profiling.

Suggest a correction, comment, or update

Tags

Sources

Show 1 more source ↓
Similar Incidents

Loading…

More incidents in California