This article was originally published by Boyle Heights Beat , a nonprofit newsroom of the L.A. Local News Initiative serving Boyle Heights and East L.A., on October 6.

Boyle Heights— The grandmother of a 1-year-old who was separated from her father during an immigration enforcement operation at the Cypress Park Home Depot was in tears as she pleaded for her son’s return at a press conference on Wednesday.

“Even though [my granddaughter] is safe now, she needs her father and I need my son back,” she said.

The woman, who only identified herself as Maria, said her son is a “kind and quiet person.” He is “the best dad,” she said.

The virtual press conference was held by the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA) and the LA Rapid Response Network, a day

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