HUMSI — Human Security Initiative

Human Impact Project

A living database documenting reported immigration enforcement incidents and their human impact.

ICU nurse Amanda Trebach arrested while documenting immigration enforcement, released without charges

Aug 9, 2025 · San Pedro, CA

Amanda Trebach, a registered nurse and U.S. citizen working in intensive care units serving low-income communities in Watts, Compton, and South Central Los Angeles, was arrested by federal agents on August 8, 2025, while documenting immigration enforcement operations at Terminal Island in San Pedro as a volunteer with Harbor Area Peace Patrol and Unión del Barrio. Video evidence shows masked federal agents pinning her face-down to the pavement, kneeling on her head, handcuffing her, and placing her into an unmarked van. CBP accused her of jumping in front of vehicles and obstructing federal agents; witnesses and video disputed these allegations. Trebach, whose cell phone was confiscated without a search warrant, says agents did not identify themselves and told her to stop photographing. She spent approximately one day in federal custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles before being released without criminal charges. Her release followed demonstrations at the detention center and calls from local elected leaders, including Councilmember Tim McOsker, who characterized the arrest as "apparently illegal and unconstitutional." National Nurses United, representing 225,000 registered nurses, celebrated her release. Trebach has continued documenting immigration enforcement operations and has been working to protect migrant patients from immigration raids; she reports that migrants in her community are now avoiding hospitals out of fear of encountering immigration enforcement.

Timeline

Aug 9, 2025Trebach released from federal custody at Metropolitan Detention Center without criminal charges after demonstrations and calls from local elected leaders
Aug 9, 2025National Nurses United issues statement celebrating Trebach's release and crediting community organizing efforts
Aug 8, 2025Amanda Trebach arrested by federal agents while documenting immigration enforcement operations at Terminal Island; pinned to ground, handcuffed, and placed in unmarked van; cell phone confiscated without search warrant

Sources

More incidents in California