KEYRIS MANZANARES: A recent ICE raid has left a predominantly Latino neighborhood in Richmonds Southside shaken.

On Wednesday, July 30, according to eyewitness accounts from neighbors, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents swarmed Southwood Apartments, detaining several people, many on their way to work.

One mother told VPM News she received an alarming call from her 21-year-old son that prompted her to report him missing.

<Speaking Spanish> KEYRIS MANZANARES: Another resident said ICE stopped her and her husband as they drove away from the apartments.

She said ICE agents took him and left her on the side of the road with the car keys.

She doesn't know how to drive.

<Speaking Spanish> KEYRIS MANZANARES: Now, advocates like Josue Castillo are calling on the Richmond community to speak out against tearing families apart.

JOSUE CASTILLO: I want to remind all citizens that, you know, what's happening to immigrants can happen to you one day.

We need to stand up for each other.

We need to stand up for people who are most vulnerable.

And we need to — we need a push for our local elected officials to protect our community members.

KEYRIS MANZANARES: In a statement, Richmond Mayor Danny Avula said he will do everything in his power to support and protect all residents.

Keyris Manzanares, VPM News.