A Culver City ice cream vendor who was detained by federal immigration agents earlier this year has returned home and resumed work after being granted permanent residency in the United States.
Enrique Lozano, who has lived in Los Angeles for nearly 20 years, was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in June while selling ice cream along Culver Boulevard. His arrest, which left his cart abandoned in the street, prompted concern among residents who had known him for years.
“It was a long, stressful time for sure,” said his niece, Kimberly Noriega, who helped organize efforts to secure his release. “We’re so appreciative of everybody who helped. He’s very happy to be here.”
Community members raised funds, hired attorneys, and launched a campaign supporting Lozano. “When he was taken away, it shook this community,” said Fred Delgado, a Culver City resident.
After four months in ICE detention, Lozano was granted permanent residency through his wife, a U.S. resident, according to his attorney, Ebony Espinoza.
Lozano, who has no criminal record, celebrated his release by giving away free ice cream at Veterans Park to thank those who supported him.
Community members are outraged after ice cream vendor Ambrocio Lozano, known as Enrique, was detained by federal immigration agents in Culver City on June 23, 2025. (Lozano Family) 
Ambrocio Lozano has been selling ice cream in Culver City for nearly 20 years and is a beloved fixture in the community. (@_kimmymarie) 
Ambrocio Lozano is seen with a loved one. (GoFundMe) 
Ambrocio Lozano was taken away in Culver City by masked federal immigration agents and placed into an unmarked SUV on June 23, 2025. (@_kimmymarie) 
Ambrocio Lozano’s abandoned ice cream cart was left on the sidewalk after he was detained by federal immigration agents in Culver City on June 23, 2025. (Lozano Family)
Local company Revolution Carts, which produces health department–approved vending carts, donated a new cart to help Lozano return to work. “He just has to walk in, we’ll help him pay his permit fee, and he’s off and running,” said Matt Geller, a representative for the company.
Residents said Lozano’s case brought the community together. “The whole story is the community of Culver City came together, and this is the result — all of us are very proud of that,” Delgado said.
Lozano’s attorney said his next goal is to apply for U.S. citizenship.
Sara Welch, Vivian Chow, and Gene Kang contributed to this article.
