José M.: Tamal vendor deported to Tijuana within two days, leaving family behind
José Medina, 35, a tamal vendor, was arrested while selling tamales at a San Pedro 7-Eleven on Oct. 8, 2025. Community members sold his family's 720 unsold tamales after he signed a deportation order and left for Tijuana.
Oct 8, 2025San Pedro, CACountry of origin: El Salvador

José Medina, a 35-year-old tamal vendor, was arrested by immigration authorities on October 8, 2025, while selling tamales at a 7-Eleven in San Pedro. After his detention, his family feared additional raids and stayed home with 720 unsold tamales. Community members, including artist Rubén Ochoa and his girlfriend, mobilized to sell the tamales through personal deliveries. Medina signed a deportation order and was in Tijuana by October 10, leaving his family behind.
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Sources
- A San Pedro Tamal Vendor Was Deported, Then Locals Showed Up To Help Keep The Family's Business Alive ~ L.A. TACO
LA Taco·Oct 17, 2025·archived copy
- Brighton Park Neighbors Rally Around Family Of Tamale Vendor Arrested By Feds
Block Club Chicago·Nov 2, 2025·archived copy
- ICE arrests tamale vendor in Back of the Yards, online fundraiser launched to assist vendors
Chicago Sun-Times·Sep 27, 2025·archived copy
- Bradenton Herald
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