The popsicle man has been taken. On June 23, 2025, just before 1 pm, Ambrocio “Enrique” Lozano, was taken by a masked man and put in a white van at Center and Culver Boulevard, in front of the Resurrection Church. His cart was left in the street.
Lozano, who has sold frozen fruit bars in Culver City for decades, was a beloved figure, often giving popsicles to those short of a dollar.
With help from the Community Self-Defense Coalition, his family was able to identify the abandoned paletero cart and we were able to locate and pick up his belongings.
Enrique has been selling paletas in this neighborhood for over 20 years. His wife and family are devastated and looking for any leads of his whereabouts.
Many posts of concern and outrage have gone up on multiple social media platforms. The anger at these random kidnappings continues to build as terrorism hits closer and closer.
To help his family through this crisis, donations can be made to this go fund me
The funds will be used for living expenses – Enrique was the sole support of his family – and to cover legal fees in the efforts for his release.
UPDATE – According to KTLA, “On Wednesday night, [June 25, 2025] Lozano was able to contact his family to let them know he was being held in a detention center in downtown L.A. Federal officials did not provide further details on his case.”
UPDATE – On Sunday June 29, it was announced at a press conference that Lozado had been moved to Texas, without the knowledge of his family or local officials.
Photo credit Dulce Trinidad