LA Under Siege Feds Launch Immigration Raids!

Federal Agents Conduct Immigration Raids Across LA, Sparking Protests and Official Condemnation

Los Angeles found itself at the center of a heated debate on Friday as federal agents conducted a series of immigration sweeps across the city. The actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) prompted immediate and widespread reactions, from angry onlookers and immigrant rights groups to concerned city officials. These groups have been bracing for increased immigration enforcement for months, and Friday's events confirmed their fears.

According to a statement obtained by KCAL News, LAist's media partner, approximately 44 people were arrested during the raids. ICE spokesperson Yasmeen Pitts O'Keefe stated that the operation involved the execution of four federal search warrants at three locations in central Los Angeles. In addition to the administrative arrests, one person was arrested for obstruction. The investigation is ongoing, and further updates are expected.

Key Facts:

• 44 individuals were administratively arrested.
• 1 arrest was made for obstruction.
• 4 federal search warrants were executed.
• Raids occurred at 3 locations in central Los Angeles.

Videos circulating on social media and aired on local television showed confrontations between individuals and agents believed to be ICE officers in downtown L.A. In some instances, agents were seen physically moving individuals who appeared to be obstructing their movements and vehicles.

Reports on X indicated ICE presence in the Garment District, while the Los Angeles Times reported agents were seen in the parking lot of a Home Depot in Westlake. Angelica Salas, executive director of The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), estimated that at least 45 detentions took place.

David Huerta, President of Service Employees International Union California, was among those detained. Union authorities reported that Huerta sustained injuries and required medical attention while in custody.

Huerta released a statement through the union, saying: "What happened to me is not about me; This is about something much bigger. This is about how we as a community stand together and resist the injustice that’s happening. Hard-working people, and members of our family and our community, are being treated like criminals. We all collectively have to object to this madness because this is not justice. This is injustice. And we all have to stand on the right side of justice.”

Following the raids, a large rally was held, attended by immigrant rights leaders, activists, and city officials, to voice their opposition to the federal operations and demand an immediate halt. Over 300 people subsequently marched towards the federal detention center.

Reaction from City Officials

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued a strong statement condemning the raids. "This morning we received reports of federal immigration enforcement actions in multiple locations in Los Angeles. 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. These tactics sow terror in our communities and disrupt basic principles of safety in our city," she stated.

"My Office is in close coordination with immigrant rights community organizations. We will not stand for this."

The entire City Council (all 15 members) released a joint statement echoing Mayor Bass's sentiment. "We condemn this in no uncertain terms: Los Angeles was built by immigrants and it thrives because of immigrants," the statement read. "We will not abide by fear tactics to support extreme political agendas that aim to stoke fear and spread discord in our city."

"To every immigrant living in our city: we see you, we stand with you, and we will fight for you," the statement continued. "Los Angeles will continue to be a place that values and dignifies every human being, no matter who they are or where they come from.”

Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell clarified that the LAPD was not involved in the ICE operations. “While the LAPD will continue to have a visible presence in all our communities to ensure public safety, we will not assist or participate in any sort of mass deportations, nor will the LAPD try to determine an individual’s immigration status,” he stated.

Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, addressing a rally crowd, refuted claims that ICE focuses solely on dangerous criminals. "It's never, ever, ever been the case," Hernandez said. "Because when they come for one of us, they come for all of us. And we have to remember that."

Councilmember Isabel Jurado highlighted the timing of the raids, coinciding with graduation celebrations and Pride Month. "What kind of government plans this during our most sacred moments of joy?" Jurado asked. "The footage speaks for itself. This is cruelty disguised as policy."

Background: Heightened Concerns and Preparedness

The recent actions come amidst ongoing concerns within immigrant communities following pledges of "mass deportations". Organizations like the ACLU have been part of the L.A. Rapid Response Network, providing a hotline for reporting ICE activity and seeking assistance. CHIRLA and other groups have conducted workshops educating individuals on their constitutional rights and preparing them for potential encounters with federal agents.

Key Actions Taken:

• Distribution of "red cards" ("Know Your Rights" cards) by the Los Angeles Unified School District.
• Workshops on asserting constitutional rights.
• Establishment of hotlines for reporting ICE activity.

This effort was in response to announcements that ICE would be allowed to conduct arrests in sensitive areas like schools and churches, a reversal of previous policies.

Detentions Under Previous Administrations

While national detentions remained fairly constant over the past four years, L.A. area detentions increased by 155% from 2022 to 2024, when 3,857 people were detained. Chris Newman, legal director and general counsel for the National Day Laborer Organizing Network, noted that the previous administration was focused on recent arrivals and individuals with criminal histories.

Notably, from 2023 to 2024, the L.A. area experienced significant increases in detentions (432% increase from 217 to 1,154) and removals (547% increase from 223 to 1,443) of people who had not been convicted of crimes. This raises serious questions about the criteria and priorities driving immigration enforcement in the region.

Friday's events serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing tensions and complexities surrounding immigration policy in the United States. The strong reactions from city officials and community organizations underscore the commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of Los Angeles' diverse population. As the investigation unfolds and the debate continues, one thing is clear: the issue of immigration will remain a central focus of public discourse and policy-making for the foreseeable future. The city's response has been unified and clear – Los Angeles stands with its immigrant communities.

LAist reporter Jordan Rynning contributed to this report.

Tags: Immigration raids, Los Angeles, ICE, Federal agents, Arrests, Immigrant rights, KCAL News, LAist, Yasmeen Pitts, Immigration sweeps

Source: https://laist.com/news/federal-agents-immigration-raids-across-la