MONROVIA, Calif. – August 15, 2025 — Authorities have identified the man fatally struck by an SUV on the 210 Freeway Thursday morning while fleeing a federal immigration raid in Monrovia as Carlos Roberto Montoya, a 52-year-old resident from Guatemala. Montoya was pronounced dead after being transported to a local hospital following the collision.
“The Consulate General of Guatemala in Los Angeles deeply regrets this sad event and is currently in contact with the family, providing the necessary assistance,” the consulate said in a statement issued to Eyewitness News. A vigil is planned for Friday evening at the Monrovia Home Depot store, the site of the federal immigration raid.
According to Monrovia City Manager Dylan Feik, local police responded shortly before 10 a.m. Thursday to a call regarding ICE activity at the Home Depot store at 1625 Mountain Avenue. During the operation, Montoya fled on foot, crossing Evergreen Avenue and entering the 210 Freeway. He was struck by a Ford Expedition SUV, traveling at an estimated 50 to 60 mph near Myrtle Avenue, according to Feik and the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
Montoya suffered severe injuries and was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. CHP officials confirmed that the agency is continuing its investigation into the circumstances surrounding how and why Montoya ran onto the freeway. Members of the public with information are encouraged to contact CHP Officer J. Rosas at (626) 517-8500 during business hours.
“There is no ongoing ICE activity reported in Monrovia at this time, and the city has not received any communication or information from ICE,” Feik said. “While we understand community members want to know more about the incident, the information provided in this update is all the city has to provide at this time.”
The incident has sparked significant concern and outrage among local advocacy groups and community members. Jannette de la Riva of Grupo Autodefensa expressed frustration over the difficulty of distinguishing between ICE agents and other forces, highlighting ongoing fears about the safety of immigrant communities. She said, “For me, the kidnappers is like, we don’t know where all these people are at or where they’re going. Some family members still can’t find their loved ones months later. For me, it’s hard to trust any vehicle right now.”
Protests erupted Thursday at the scene of the raid as demonstrators called for an end to immigration enforcement operations in Southern California. The National Day Laborer Organizing Network announced it will hold a rally at the Home Depot at 6 p.m. Friday in memory of Montoya. In a statement, the group described the incident as “the latest in an ongoing wave of violent, chaotic kidnappings and assaults that ICE and other agencies are waging at Home Depots and other locations across Southern California.”
As investigations continue, city officials, law enforcement, and advocacy groups are urging calm while also emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability. The tragedy has raised renewed questions about safety, enforcement practices, and the protection of immigrant communities in and around Los Angeles County.
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