RAFU STAFF REPORT
A man was seized by ICE agents in front of the Miyako Hotel in Little Tokyo on Jan. 14 around 12:10 p.m.
A video posted on Reddit by “The Ghosty Bear” shows two agents struggling with the man and shoving him into the back seat of a car parked in the hotel’s driveway as several pedestrians watch.
A number of witnesses recorded the incident and posted it on social media.
The Reddit post stated that the agents were later seen at 7th and Main streets and at the Maravilla Station in East Los Angeles.
The Little Tokyo Community Council said in a statement that it is “deeply troubled by the recent immigration raid that took place in Little Tokyo on Wednesday, Jan. 14, resulting in the abduction of a community member. The safety and well-being of our community members, residents, workers, businesses, and institutions is always our top priority.
“LTCC is monitoring ICE activities in Little Tokyo and providing timely updates, resources and information to community members impacted through local rapid response efforts and our local elected officials. The Little Tokyo community stands together to keep Little Tokyo safe and a welcoming home for all.”
Nikkei Progressives said in a statement that it “condemns the kidnapping by ICE of an Uber Eats driver outside of the Miyako Hotel in Little Tokyo on Jan. 14, 2026. At approximately 11:50 a.m., three masked ICE agents grabbed the person, who was waiting for an order. Video footage shows the three ICE agents forcing the man into an SUV while many first responders and others took video footage and alerted neighboring businesses and workers.
“The kidnapping of Latino immigrants who are trying to work and go about their daily lives is unacceptable. This particular man was in the process of applying for asylum in the U.S., while supporting his wife and three children, who are living in another country.
“The ICE kidnappings are becoming more violent and brutal, but popular resistance is also growing. In the last week, many high school and college students walked out of classes, and there are ongoing boycotts and strikes being led by workers and supporters. We support and call on all justice-minded people to get involved to stop this administration from terrorizing our communities.”
Last August, Border Patrol agents showed up in force outside the Japanese American National Museum in Little Tokyo while Gov. Gavin Newsom was giving a speech about redistricting in JANM’s Democracy Center. At least one person, a strawberry vendor, was taken into custody during the operation.
U.S. Border Patrol Sector Commander Gregory Bovino told reporters that his agency was conducting roving immigration enforcement patrols in the area.
The museum condemned the Border Patrol’s actions, noting, “JANM’s Historic Building and Mineta Democracy Plaza is the site where in 1942, Los Angeles-area Japanese Americans were ordered to assemble for forced removal to concentration camps during World War II.”