Widespread immigration operations have had an effect across LA County, including Altadena, which now has halted building progress while the community continues to recover from the deadly Eaton Fires.
Margot Stueber, a 68-year-old resident in Altadena, was the first to have her property cleared of ash and debris by the Army Corps of Engineers in April. She’s working with architect Trinidad Campbell, who is helping to rebuild her home. But six months after starting the project, it’s at a standstill with federal agents in the region.
“They say this country is built from generations of immigrants who, like today, are helping rebuild this community,” said Stueber, a long-time resident of the San Gabriel Valley town.
According to Campbell, the construction workers on the site have constantly changed following immigration operations.
“ICE all over the place has affected the work. We have to be careful. We’ve had less people,” Campbell said.
LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger says she is learning of similar incidents, adding she feels encouraged by recent remarks from President Donald Trump to make immigration considerations for certain industries like hospitality and agriculture.
“So maybe Congress needs to begin to do their job and sponsor legislation that actually legitimizes and allows people to work here and actually stimulate our economy, which this is going to do,” said Barger. “Rebuilding here is going to be an economic plus for many looking for jobs.”
Federal agents have been involved in similar incidents near Altadena, with an immigration raid detaining six people in June. Residents claimed these people were arrested in Pasadena, which has affected construction workers who are scared to help out the nearby community of Altadena.
Although Stueber lost her 100-year-old cottage in the Eaton Fire, many now look to her as a beacon of hope after immediately starting progress to rebuilding her future home on Palm Street.
“I know this is not the end of the story. There will be energy needs to be put into truly rebuilding this community,” said Stueber. “But this is the first important step for me to have a house again.”
Source: NBC Los Angeles
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