During the 23rd annual Veterans Day parade in Pacoima, local officials honored the military and their families while also expressing concern over recent immigration enforcement actions. According to available information, since January 2025, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have apprehended over 50 individuals, including mothers, fathers, husbands, and wives of active-duty military personnel, resulting in the deportation of at least six of them.
Data from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security indicates that between January 2025 and January 2026, a total of 125 individuals who were previously members of the U.S. armed forces were detained by migration agents.
Immigrant military personnel who meet the eligibility criteria for expedited naturalization often face obstacles that prevent them from completing the citizenship process. These challenges include insufficient information, administrative hurdles, inadequate access to legal counsel, and delays or failures within the naturalization process. As a result, many remain susceptible to adverse immigration consequences during or after their military service.
Non-citizen military personnel and veterans who have served in the US armed forces and developed strong ties to the country may still face the risk of detention, deportation, or permanent separation from their families.
County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath criticized the Trump administration's handling of a matter, stating that it was inappropriate to question the loyalty of veterans who have served the country.
Ensuring that veterans receive the respect and care they have earned is a critical priority. Furthermore, it is essential to establish a clear pathway for them to fully integrate into society as valued citizens.
The recent arrests have highlighted the administration's lack of control and its disregard for public safety, according to Horvath. The actions of the government are particularly egregious given that they are targeting individuals who have made significant sacrifices in defense of the country, including those who have risked their lives to protect its freedoms.
A large crowd gathered at the intersection of Laurel Canyon Boulevard and San Fernando Mission to participate in the 23rd annual Veterans Day parade, held on November 11 to commemorate the nation's military personnel who have served in both times of war and peace.
Jerry Aragon, a resident of Valle de San Fernando, remembered his cousin Estevan M. Guerrero as a courageous individual who served in World War II, specifically in 1942.
A memorial poster honoring Estevan, who passed away in 2012 at the age of 89, was created by Guerrero and his cousin Herbert Flores. Guerrero's military career included serving as a captain in various theaters of operation, including Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, during his time in the army. Following his military service, Guerrero maintained a long-standing membership in the American Legion's San Fernando Post 176.
James Louis Rodríguez Sr., a veteran of the Vietnam War who served in 1968, attended the parade accompanied by his wife, Sheila, and humorously referred to her as his "general.
Eighty-year-old Rodriguez advocates for expedited naturalization for veteran immigrants who have served the country, citing their military service as a basis for priority consideration.
Members of the armed forces and veterans may be unaware that specific provisions and protections within US immigration processes enable their immediate family members to secure a permit to remain in the country, ultimately paving the way for permanent residence and citizenship.
Federal regulations previously afforded enhanced discretionary protection to the military and their families, but by 2025, these exemptions were rescinded, resulting in increased vulnerability of veterans and military households to immigration control measures.
New York State Assembly Committee on Military Affairs and Veterans President Pilar Schiavo expressed regret over the deportation of 60 spouses of military personnel, citing it as a shameful situation. Additionally, the Trump administration has initiated the process to expel an additional 34 spouses of armed forces members.
It is deeply concerning that the nation's treatment of veterans who have made significant personal sacrifices in service to their country falls short of expectations. The commitment to military service is not limited to the individual, as their families also make substantial sacrifices. In light of this, the country's promise to provide a pathway to citizenship for those who have fought and served should be upheld, rather than penalizing those who have already made such a commitment, thereby honoring the nation's obligation to them.
Schiavo emphasized that the government's migration policy is being misused to intimidate communities and instill fear and mistrust, rather than serving as a tool to maintain public safety. This, she argued, is an inappropriate and unacceptable role for the government to assume.
On Veterans Day, California Representative Schiavo, who serves District 40, representing the San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys, highlighted the state's significant achievements in recent years under the leadership of the Military and Veteran Affairs Committee.
California has made it a priority to safeguard the rights of veterans with disabilities. A key legislative achievement this year was the passage of Senate Bill 694, which aims to prevent exploitation by individuals who prey on vulnerable veterans, charging them for services that are actually available at no cost through local county-level veterans service officials, who provide access to Veterans Affairs Department services.
California has recently authorized an $11.25 million bond issue focused on housing initiatives, with $1.25 million specifically designated for veteran housing projects.
The daughter of Bill Schiavo revealed that her father's exposure to the toxic chemical known as the orange agent during his time in Vietnam led to his cancer diagnosis, ultimately resulting in his passing last year. However, thanks to the support of the Veterans Affairs system, Mr. Schiavo was able to live a relatively normal life for nearly four decades, spanning 40 years.
The individual expressed gratitude for the 40 years their father had after his military service in Vietnam, describing him as a wonderful man. They acknowledged that military service can have a profound impact on an individual, leading to introspection about the value of freedom and the importance of fighting for justice.
A decorated Army combat veteran, Sae Joon Park, who received the Purple Heart for his service in Panama in 1989, has been deported to South Korea. Park, who struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stemming from his military service, had also faced convictions related to drug offenses. In June, he departed Hawaii after being threatened with deportation.
Mohammad Nazeer Paktyawal, a 46-year-old father of six, passed away in ICE custody following his arrest on charges of food stamp fraud and theft. The incident occurred just a day after his detention.
José Barco, a Venezuelan native and Purple Heart recipient, was deported to Mexico after serving 15 years of a 52-year prison sentence in Colorado. He had been convicted of attempted first-degree murder and threatening others following a shooting incident at a party in Colorado Springs, which resulted in injuries to a pregnant woman.
Community Comes Together to Honor Legacy in Pacoima A commemorative event was held in Pacoima, bringing together residents and community leaders to celebrate the area's rich history and shared experiences. The gathering served as a poignant reminder of the region's cultural heritage and the significance of its past.
In honour of Bill Schiavo
Deported for Crimes
Los Angeles Supervisor Lindsey Horvath emphasizes the importance of providing adequate treatment to veterans, also highlighting the need to facilitate their transition to full citizenship.
