Residents of the Li'l Abner Mobile Home Park in Sweetwater gathered on Wednesday night to voice their outrage outside the city hall, protesting the violent arrest of Vivian Hernández, a 61-year-old Cuban woman. Her detention followed her attempt to complain about the dust from ongoing demolitions.
Hernández had approached the park's administrative office to express concerns over the dust, but her protest unexpectedly led to her arrest. A shocking video captured the moment when Hernández—described by neighbors as polite, good-natured, and peaceful—was forcibly taken to the ground by an officer to be handcuffed. "I'm not doing anything; you're using force on me for no reason," Hernández can be heard saying from the ground in the footage shared across several local media outlets.
Charges against Hernández now include inappropriate conduct for trespassing and resisting an officer, accusations her lawyer deems unjust, noting that her visit was scheduled by the mobile home park’s administration. "It's not fair for the police to mistreat a peaceful woman," said a tearful Hispanic neighbor during an interview with Univision, who was present at the protest.
"She could be the mother of anyone living here. There are many ways to handle things without resorting to violence," added another resident of Cuban origin. "They mistreated her; it’s not right," commented a third neighbor.
A statement from the office of Sweetwater Mayor José "Pepe" Díaz claimed the arrest resulted from an altercation. Alvaro Zabaleta, the city police's communications chief, informed the press that all videos need to be reviewed to ascertain what truly transpired and whether excessive force was employed.
The lack of clarity regarding her legal status has heightened concern among over 900 families facing impending evictions. The final closure of Li’l Abner Mobile Home Park is set for May 19, 2025, following the land’s sale. While some families are starting to explore housing alternatives, others face a grim outlook.
The landowners have proposed a compensation package of $14,000 to residents who vacate their homes by January 31. However, many argue that this amount is inadequate to cover relocation costs, particularly amidst a real estate market marked by rising prices.
Key Issues Surrounding Sweetwater Mobile Home Park Arrest
What led to Vivian Hernández's arrest?
Vivian Hernández was arrested after she complained about the dust from demolitions at the mobile home park, which reportedly escalated into a violent arrest.
What charges is Vivian Hernández facing?
She faces charges of inappropriate conduct for trespassing on private property and resisting an officer, which her lawyer contests as unjust.
What is the response from the Sweetwater community?
The community has expressed outrage, with residents protesting outside city hall, condemning the use of violence against Hernández, who is known as a peaceful individual.