URGENT UPDATE: In a significant legal shift, felony charges against two healthcare workers from the Ontario Advanced Surgical Center have been dropped following their intervention during an ICE raid. Jose Ortega and Danielle Davila were initially charged with assaulting federal officers and conspiracy after stepping in to protect landscaper Denis Guillen during an immigration arrest on July 2023.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office confirmed that the felony charges have been reduced to misdemeanors, allowing Ortega and Davila to continue their fight without the threat of severe penalties. “We were informed to ask for identification, warrants before letting any type of agents into our office,” Ortega stated, emphasizing their adherence to workplace protocol.
Video footage from the incident shows the pair bravely intervening as ICE agents attempted to detain Guillen, who later opted to return voluntarily to Honduras. Following the court decision, Davila expressed heartfelt gratitude for the community’s support outside the Riverside Federal Courthouse, stating, “It’s been really incredible to feel all the support, and I truly appreciate it.”
Ortega’s attorney, Carlos Juarez, labeled the initial charges a “political arrest,” suggesting that the Latino community is being unjustly targeted. “They did the right thing,” he affirmed, indicating that if a similar situation arose, they would act in the same manner again.
The legal battle is not over; both Ortega and Davila now face misdemeanor charges but are determined to testify and clear their names. “In her words, she felt she did what was right,” said Oliver Cleary, Davila’s attorney. The community continues to rally behind them, emphasizing the broader implications of their actions in the ongoing debate over immigration policies.
This developing story highlights the complexities of immigration enforcement and the rights of individuals in such situations. As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on the upcoming court proceedings and the community’s response. Share this urgent update to keep the conversation going about the impacts of immigration enforcement on everyday lives.