On Friday, federal agents executed a series of immigration sweeps across Los Angeles, igniting a wave of anger and resistance from onlookers and immigrant rights groups. These groups had braced themselves for such actions for months, and the confrontations were captured in videos aired on local television and shared extensively on social media platforms.
Footage revealed tense interactions between what appeared to be U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers and individuals on the streets of downtown L.A. In several instances, uniformed agents were seen physically moving people who obstructed their operations. Reports circulated on the social media platform X indicating that ICE was active in the Garment District area of Los Angeles. Another video showed federal agents operating in a Home Depot parking lot in Westlake, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
LAist sought comments from ICE regarding the raids, but a spokesperson refrained from confirming or discussing the operations, citing safety concerns. The spokesperson did release a statement indicating that all individuals found in violation of federal immigration law could face arrest, detention, and potential removal from the United States, regardless of their nationality. By Friday afternoon, it was still unclear how many individuals were detained during these immigration sweeps.
Angelica Salas, the executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), estimated that at least 45 individuals were detained, among them, Service Employees International Union California President David Huerta. Union authorities reported that Huerta sustained injuries and was receiving medical attention while in custody. Huerta emphasized the larger implications of these raids, stating, “What happened to me is not about me; this is about something much bigger.” He urged the community to resist the injustices imposed on hardworking individuals and families.
In response to these federal operations, numerous immigrant rights leaders, activists, and city officials gathered for a significant rally Friday evening. More than 300 individuals marched toward the federal detention center, voicing their concerns and calling for an end to the raids.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass condemned the immigration enforcement actions in a statement, expressing her deep anger. “As a Mayor of a proud city of immigrants, who contribute to our city in so many ways, I am deeply angered by what has taken place,” she stated. Mayor Bass characterized the tactics employed as sowing terror within communities and disrupting essential principles of safety.
All 15 members of the Los Angeles City Council issued a joint statement echoing Mayor Bass's sentiments. They declared, “Los Angeles was built by immigrants and it thrives because of immigrants.” The statement reinforced the council's commitment to fight against fear tactics that aim to instill anxiety and division within the city.
Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell clarified that his department was not involved in the immigration sweeps. “While the LAPD will continue to have a visible presence in our communities to ensure public safety, we will not assist or participate in any sort of mass deportations,” he affirmed. Following the sweeps, photographers captured several protesters being detained by officers, highlighting the tense atmosphere.
L.A. Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez criticized previous claims made by the Trump administration that ICE would focus on dangerous criminals, asserting, “When they come for one of us, they come for all of us.” Another councilmember, Isabel Jurado, pointed out the timing of the ICE operations coinciding with significant cultural celebrations, questioning the government’s choice to conduct raids during such important moments.
Since the election of former President Donald Trump, immigrant rights groups in Southern California have remained on high alert due to his promises of mass deportations. Protests have erupted, including freeway shutdowns and high school walkouts, as communities rally against the administration's policies. The ACLU's Andres Kwon noted that Los Angeles immigrant communities have been preparing for potential ICE actions.
Various organizations, including the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles, have conducted workshops teaching undocumented immigrants their constitutional rights and how to prepare for raids. Additionally, the Los Angeles Unified School District has distributed “Know Your Rights” cards to help individuals assert their rights when encountering federal immigration agents.
Detention and removal rates have surged in the L.A. area, with ICE and Customs and Border Patrol reporting a significant increase in operations. According to ICE data, removals in the L.A. Area of Operations rose by over 180% from the 2022 to the 2024 fiscal years, with more than 3,551 individuals removed in fiscal 2024 alone. Detentions also saw a dramatic increase of 155% during the same period.
As the Biden administration faced political pressure to manage illegal immigration, the dynamics of immigration enforcement continued to evolve in Los Angeles. Chris Newman, legal director for the National Day Laborer Organizing Network, expressed concern regarding the administration's focus on recent arrivals and individuals with criminal histories, highlighting the challenges faced by immigrant communities amidst shifting policies.
In conclusion, the recent immigration sweeps in Los Angeles have sparked significant community backlash, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for immigrant rights and the complexities of federal immigration enforcement in the current political climate.
