Federal immigration enforcement agents detained six workers from a Pittsburgh gutter company during a morning raid captured on surveillance video, raising questions about documentation requirements and enforcement tactics in residential neighborhoods.

Raid Unfolds at Job Site

Surveillance footage from Tuesday morning shows employees of OK Service preparing for work near their vans at Orchard Place and Knox Avenue in Mount Oliver around 8 a.m. when an unmarked black vehicle arrived. Workers immediately scattered as agents emerged and began pursuit. The operation occurred in a residential area just feet from Hilltop Community Children’s Center, where young students witnessed the confrontation unfold.

Omar Millan, owner of the gutter company, was not present during the raid but rushed to the scene after receiving a call from his wife. By his arrival, agents had detained six of his employees, though three were later released. Millan stated all his workers possess Pennsylvania documentation including licenses and work permits, with at least one holding a green card showing legal permanent resident status.

Community Response and Worker Rights

The raid prompted immediate response from nearby residents and advocacy groups. Preschool staff from the neighboring children’s center came outside with pots and pans in support of the detained workers. An eight-year-old witness told his mother the incident made him believe monsters were real. Frontline Dignity, a nonprofit focused on immigrant rights, deployed volunteers to connect affected families with legal resources and support services during what executive director Jaime Martinez described as likely one of the worst moments of their lives.

Questions About Enforcement Standards

Millan expressed concern that language barriers may have influenced the enforcement action, suggesting agents targeted his workers for speaking Spanish at the job site. CBS Pittsburgh could not independently verify whether any detained workers faced outstanding criminal charges or immigration violations. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement did not respond to requests for comment about the operation, the criteria used for detention, or verification of worker documentation status. The incident highlights ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement priorities and business operations relying on workers navigating the legal immigration process.