Man fatally struck while fleeing Monrovia ICE raid identified as 52-year-old from Guatemala

MONROVIA, Calif. (KABC) -- Family, friends and workers gathered on Friday night to remember the man who was hit and killed by an SUV on the 210 Freeway while trying to get away from ICE.

Carlos Roberto Montoya, a 52-year-old man from Guatemala, was pronounced dead after being taken to the hospital following the crash. He's the second person to die while fleeing the ongoing raids across Southern California.

"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.

The tragedy sparked outrage among local activists, lawmakers, and the residents in the area.

A memorial in front of the Home Depot continues to grow. Meanwhile, many people are demanding that the federal government be held responsible for Montoya's death.

Dozens of people gathered for a protest and vigil in front of the Home Depot where Thursday's federal immigration raid happened.

"I think it is important for us to show our support for immigrants and the shame ICE should feel for what they did to this poor man," said Art Bernal from Temple City.

"These people are looking for a job, and all of a sudden, someone loses their life," said Brenda Kyle from Duarte. "If the goal is to say that we have failed at strengthening and securing the border, well, that's not the people at the Home Depot's fault. It's the people who are supposed to be doing their job at the border."

Friends say Montoya had been in the U.S. for five years. They say he was a hard worker who was committed to helping his four daughters back home in Guatemala.

Eyewitness News spoke to one friend who said Montoya was a noble, charismatic man who liked to help people.

The Department of Homeland Security says Montoya was not being pursued by any Department of Homeland Security law enforcement, but witnesses say otherwise.

"I think there's accountability, right? Regardless, you're working under the umbrella of the law," said Duarte Mayor Cesar Garcia. "You still have to take care of people's safety, right?"

According to a statement by Monrovia City Manager Dylan Feik, Monrovia police responded shortly before 10 a.m. Thursday to a call about ICE activity at a Home Depot store at 1625 Mountain Ave. During that operation, a man fled on foot across Evergreen Avenue and onto the 210 Freeway. He was struck by a vehicle near Myrtle Avenue, according to Feik and the California Highway Patrol.

CHP officials said the man was struck by a Ford Expedition SUV being driven at 50 to 60 mph. The fleeing man, later identified as Montoya, suffered major injuries and was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to the Highway Patrol.

More than a dozen people were reportedly detained during Thursday's operation.

"It's a horrible situation, and that is why we have to stop these ICE raids," said District 28 Rep. Judy Chu. "We have to stop terrorizing our community."

The people who joined the protest say it's vital they do everything they can to make their voices heard.

"It was important for me to show my kids, basically, to exercise their right and to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves," said Jessica Torres from Duarte. "My parents are both immigrants, however, one is a resident and one is a citizen. But it's important for me to show up for people who cannot show up for themselves."

California Highway Patrol is now investigating the fatal accident.

City News Service contributed to this report.