Los Angeles, CA — Benjamin Guerrero-Cruz, an 18-year-old student from Reseda, has been in the spotlight after he was arrested by immigration agents on August 8. Guerrero-Cruz, who had been living with his family in Van Nuys, was detained and later moved to the Adelanto Detention Center. According to his former teacher, Guerrero-Cruz alleges he overheard the agents boasting about receiving $1,500 for his arrest.
Guerrero-Cruz Describes Arrest and Alleged Agent Comments
Guerrero-Cruz had a lengthy conversation with his former English Language Development teacher, Lizette Becerra, who visited him at the detention center. He shared disturbing details about his arrest:
- He overheard the agents “boasting” about how the $1,500 payment for his capture would allow them to have drinks that weekend.
- Becerra, recalling the conversation, asked, “So my question is, who are these people that took him?” expressing concern that these individuals might be bounty hunters.
- Guerrero-Cruz claimed that the agents didn’t show a warrant and did not even fingerprint him, despite saying they would.
“So yes, I am concerned that these were bounty hunters,” Becerra said during a rally for Guerrero-Cruz outside the Los Angeles Unified School District headquarters.
Homeland Security Responds to Bounty Hunter Allegations
In response to the allegations, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security denied claims that they use bounty hunters for arrests, stating:
“Claims that DHS uses private contractors or ‘bounty hunters’ to make arrests are false.”
— U.S. Department of Homeland Security
However, the department acknowledged that Guerrero-Cruz overstayed his visa and was in violation of federal immigration law. They emphasized that Guerrero-Cruz is responsible for his arrest, despite the ongoing debate over the agents’ actions.
Activists Rally for Guerrero-Cruz’s Immediate Release
The arrest has sparked outrage among activists, educators, and the community. On Tuesday, Becerra and others rallied outside LAUSD headquarters, calling for the immediate release of Guerrero-Cruz, who, according to Becerra, “just wants to finish high school and pursue a better life.” Guerrero-Cruz himself expressed to his teacher:
“Tell them we come here to make a better life and we do good and we’re treated like criminals. I’m not a criminal. We’re here to work and go to school.”
— Benjamin Guerrero-Cruz to Lizette Becerra
The Arrest Incident: A Family’s Trauma
Guerrero-Cruz detailed how he was taken by 15 men in SUVs while walking his dog on August 8. He described how the agents ignored his protests and never showed any identification or warrant.
- A neighbor verified that the agents did, in fact, chase the family dog and released it after the confrontation.
- Guerrero-Cruz also recalled that the men who arrested him didn’t wear agency insignia but later met up with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents identifiable by their uniforms.
“The allegations about CBP officers are FALSE, and it is lies like these that are contributing violence against our officers.”
— U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Immigration Department Defends Detention Conditions
After the arrest, Guerrero-Cruz was initially detained in a Los Angeles facility under poor conditions, where he had to sleep next to the toilet in a cell with five or six men. He was later moved to Adelanto, where he was provided with clothes and basic hygiene after spending several days in his pajamas.
“All detainees are provided with proper meals, quality water, blankets, medical treatment, and have opportunities to communicate with their family members and lawyers. ICE has higher detention standards than most U.S. prisons that hold actual U.S. citizens.”
— U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Background on Guerrero-Cruz and His Family
Guerrero-Cruz arrived in the U.S. at the age of 15 and, like many other immigrant students, was placed in the 9th grade to catch up on coursework while learning English. He has twin 5-month-old brothers and a 6-year-old brother, who are all living in Van Nuys.
Despite the challenges, Guerrero-Cruz was determined to graduate high school and had become active in the school’s soccer team and Navy ROTC program. His friends and teammates are devastated by his sudden disappearance.
“On the field, he was rock-solid — always showed up, worked hard, and could be counted on week after week. Off the field, he was just as reliable: kind, respectful, and someone who lifted up the people around him.”
— Ronny C., Guerrero-Cruz’s friend
Ongoing Legal and Immigration Status
While the U.S. Department of Homeland Security emphasizes that Guerrero-Cruz violated immigration law, his legal representatives have refrained from commenting on his family’s immigration status. The legal fight continues, with Becerra and activists urging for a just resolution.
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