FBI Arrest of Isidro Jimenez Sparks Controversy and Political Fallout in Coachella

Empty prison cells with open doors, two-story layout.

A California councilwoman’s husband with a criminal history and previous deportation was arrested by FBI agents in a Walmart parking lot, sparking claims of political targeting and threatening to create a vacancy on the Coachella City Council.

Key Insights

Isidro Jimenez, husband of Coachella Councilwoman Yadira Perez, was arrested by FBI agents on an immigration detainer despite living in a sanctuary city.
Jimenez has a history of illegal reentry after a 1995 deportation and multiple criminal convictions including drug possession, DUI, and assault with a deadly weapon.
Councilwoman Perez has resigned from her position with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and threatens to resign from the council if her husband is deported.
The arrest aligns with increased federal immigration enforcement targeting individuals with criminal records who have previously been deported.
A New York Times/Ipsos poll shows 88% of Americans support deporting immigrants with criminal records, though opinions on specific policies vary.

Arrest in Sanctuary City Creates Political Firestorm

Coachella City Councilwoman Yadira Perez witnessed FBI agents arresting her husband, Isidro Jimenez, in a Walmart parking lot as part of an immigration enforcement operation. The arrest occurred despite Coachella’s status as a sanctuary city that limits cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Following the incident, Perez resigned from her position with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department while maintaining her council seat. She recorded the detention and has publicly accused unnamed parties of “playing dirty” with what she believes is politically motivated targeting.

California city councilwoman cries as FBI arrests husband at Walmart — he's an illegal alien with DUI on long rap sheet https://t.co/GlDxcuekZm

— The Black Conservative 🇺🇸 (@TheBlkConserv) February 27, 2025

The incident has created tension within Coachella’s leadership. Mayor Steven Hernandez acknowledged the difficult situation while explaining the city’s limited power to prevent federal enforcement actions. “I think it’s horrible that in Coachella and parts across California and the nation, that families are being torn apart,” Hernandez said, reflecting the community’s pro-immigrant stance. However, as a municipal government, Coachella lacks authority to interfere with federal law enforcement operations, even with its sanctuary status.

Criminal History and Previous Deportation

Federal records reveal a complex immigration and criminal history for Jimenez. A Mexican national, he was previously deported in 1995 but illegally reentered the United States. According to the criminal complaint filed against him, “The ICE National Criminal Analysis and Targeting Center conducted a records check and discovered that (Jimenez) had multiple arrests and convictions after his last removal from the United States.” His criminal record includes convictions for methamphetamine possession, driving under the influence, and assault with a deadly weapon.

“The City of Coachella has received no updates regarding the situation involving Councilmember Yadira Perez’s husband, or enforcement activity by federal law agents in our City,” said Risseth Lora, spokesperson for the city.

Jimenez’s arrest was part of a targeted initiative by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to investigate closed cases of previously deported individuals with criminal records. While he has been temporarily released on bond, federal prosecutors are seeking reconsideration of this decision, potentially setting up a prolonged legal battle. The arrest aligns with increased federal enforcement operations targeting illegal immigrants with criminal backgrounds.

Yadira Perez shared a video of the moment federal agents took her husband in a Walmart parking lot. https://t.co/i0olejz3mz

— Newsweek (@Newsweek) February 27, 2025

Family Separation and Political Fallout

Councilwoman Perez has been vocal about the emotional and potential political ramifications of her husband’s arrest. She has publicly stated she will resign from the Coachella City Council if her husband is deported, which would create a vacancy requiring appointment or special election. The councilwoman’s distress was evident during the arrest, which she filmed while expressing concerns about family separation and claiming she was not shown deportation papers during the incident.

“The separation of a family is not right, it’s inhuman!” said Yadira Perez. “My family was just separated. They have taken my kids’ father. Those are the desperate cries of help.”

The case highlights broader national tensions regarding immigration enforcement. While sanctuary policies limit local cooperation with federal authorities, they do not prevent federal agents from conducting independent operations. The Biden administration has continued some enforcement priorities established under previous administrations, particularly focusing on individuals with criminal records. Public opinion polling indicates strong support for deportation of immigrants with criminal histories, with 88% of Americans favoring such actions according to a New York Times/Ipsos poll, though views on broader immigration policies remain divided along political lines.