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Carlos M.V.: Guatemalan day laborer struck and killed fleeing ICE raid at Home Depot

Carlos Roberto Montoya Valdez, 52, a Guatemalan day laborer and father of four, died fleeing an immigration raid at a Monrovia Home Depot, struck by an SUV.

Jul 13, 2026Monrovia, CACountry of origin: Guatemala

Carlos M.V.: Guatemalan day laborer struck and killed fleeing ICE raid at Home Depot
Photo via NBC Los Angeles

Carlos Roberto Montoya Valdez, a 52-year-old Guatemalan day laborer who had lived in the U.S. about three years, died after being struck by an SUV traveling roughly 60 mph while fleeing across Interstate 210 during a federal immigration enforcement operation at a Monrovia Home Depot. A Monrovia resident who rushed to the scene described his daughter as visibly upset and trying to reach the hospital for information on her father's condition. Montoya Valdez worked to support his wife of 35 years, Ana María Vásquez, their four daughters, and grandchildren in Guatemala; his daughter Ana Victoria recalled his final phone call the night before his death, in which he spoke of hoping to save enough to start his own business back home, and his wife described him as 'a light' who brought joy to everyone, especially his grandchildren. Between eight and ten other day laborers from Guatemala, Mexico, and Honduras were also arrested in the operation. DHS has denied that agents chased or pursued him. Community advocates, including the National Day Laborer Organizing Network, have blamed enforcement tactics for the panic that led to his death and are demanding Home Depot release security footage, while state lawmakers have renewed calls for the REPAIR Act (SB 1103) requiring large retailers to disclose immigration enforcement activity on their property.

“Was it intentional? I don’t think that is the case, but it ended up with a father, a brother being killed”
— Pablo Alvarado, co-executive director of the National Day Laborers Organizing Network
“Whether they were chasing him or not, the fact is that when you have operations of this kind, the first reaction of any human being is to run.”
— Pablo Alvarado, co-executive director of the National Day Laborers Organizing Network

Timeline

Jul 13, 2026—Identity of victim confirmed as Carlos Roberto Montoya Valdez; family and advocates speak out, DHS denies pursuit, lawmakers renew push for REPAIR Act
Aug 14, 2025—ICE conducted enforcement operation at Monrovia Home Depot; man fled across I-210 and was struck by a vehicle, later dying from injuries
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