ICE – We are not immune
On March 31, 2026, our mountain community experienced something very real—this was not a drill, and we are not immune. ICE agents came into Big Bear and detained one of our own, Armando Herrera Gonzales. This has deeply impacted his family and those who know him.
Right now, the Herrera Gonzales family is asking for help and support during this incredibly difficult time. They have shared a plea for assistance, and any support—whether through outreach, resources, or donations—can make a meaningful difference. Please, if you can, find it in your heart to reach out and support the family .
Our community has always come together in times of need—this is one of those moments.
Gofundme: Click HERE
Click for news report- ABC news 7
BIG BEAR LAKE, Calif. (KABC) — Three sisters in Big Bear Lake are now facing the gut-wrenching possibility of losing both their mother and father in a matter of days.
Not only is their 43-year-old mother in hospice after battling stage 4 brain cancer, but their father was recently detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Armando Gonzalez, 49, is now facing deportation after living and working in the Big Bear community for more than 20 years.
“All I can say is he’s innocent,” said Adriana Gonzalez, 20. “He has no criminal record. He didn’t do anything.”
Adriana says her father works as a handyman and house cleaner, and was on his way to a job Tuesday morning when he was detained by ICE agents along Big Bear Boulevard.
March 31, 2026 ICE was confirmed on the Mountain!
ICE…What to do
If you witness ICE activity in Big Bear, immediately report it to the San Bernardino/Riverside Rapid Response hotline at 909-361-4588. Safely document the event (video, agent badge numbers, license plates) from a distance without interfering. Do not lie or give false documents, and remind the person being detained they have the right to remain silent.
ACLU of Southern California
Key Actions and Resources:
*Report Activity: Call the Southern California Rapid Response Network (24/7) at 888-624-4752.
*Document: Note the time, location, number of agents, and vehicle information.
*Safety First: Do not physically interfere with agents, as this can lead to your arrest.
*Locate Individuals: Use the ICE Detainee Locator or call 866-347-2423.
*Legal Support: Contact organizations like CHIRLA (213-353-1333) or the ACLU of SoCal.
Rights to Remember:
*You have the right to record video/audio of ICE agents in public.
*Agents cannot enter a home without a warrant signed by a judge.
*Individuals detained do not have to sign any documents without a lawyer.
Key Actions for Bystanders
*Record Everything: Use your phone to record the interaction, holding it visibly but from a safe distance.
*Do Not Interfere: Do not physically block, touch, or interfere with agents, as this can lead to your arrest.
*Document Details: Write down officer badge numbers, names, vehicle numbers, and times.
*Identify the Person: If possible, safely ask the person being detained for their name and a family member’s contact number.
*Report to Rapid Response: Call a local immigrant rights organization or Rapid Response hotline to report the location and details of the incident.
*Support the Family: If you have information, contact the person’s family or an immigration attorney.
