photo #8338243

WHITTIER UPDATE: The Whittier City Council and City of Whittier finally got back to me yesterday afternoon. I also received a statement from the DoubleTree. I had requested their assistance in verifying information because the claims that were made on the ground by witnesses were a little shaky. Here is what I found out: According to both the CIty of Whittier and the DoubleTree, there were no ICE agents staying at the hotel. The white van the protesters were screaming about and caused so many problems over belonged to the Santa Clara Police Department. The other vehicles that were vandalized belonged to local residents. In addition, another white van located in East Whittier was almost vandalized also, until a woman came forward and said it actually belongs to a plumber who is not only doing work in the area but is also a Whittier resident. Regarding the vandalism: the protesters vandalized the van and several other vehicles at the DoubelTree that actually belonged to their guests and to their staff members. Here is the image the protesters claimed proved that "ICE is staying at the DoubleTree in Whittier" and some issues with it: First the image of the "agents" is blurry. You can't see the patches clearly and they made the video to where you can't zoom in for a clearer view. 2nd they were illegally using a drone on private property without the property owner's consent. 3rd look at the condition of the van. Particularly look a the upper left. This vehicle is not well maintained. Federal agencies, including federal law enforcement always maintain their vehicles such that they always look like they are in mint condition. In addition the protest leaders and antagonists were so paranoid they were accusing local residents including school teachers and nurses of being "undercover ICE agents" and calling for them to be lynched.