Federal immigration officers arrested 44 individuals across Los Angeles on Friday, triggering widespread protests and clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement.
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids were carried out under the direction of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with agents executing search warrants at three locations, though advocacy groups reported arrests at seven different sites, including two Home Depot stores, a fashion district warehouse, and a doughnut shop.
HSI spokesperson Yasmeen Pitts O’Keefe confirmed the execution of search warrants, while Ciaran McEvoy from the U.S. Attorney’s Office noted that at least one business was suspected of employing undocumented workers using fake documents.
The operation is part of a broader federal effort to crack down on undocumented labor. But the enforcement actions quickly ignited backlash. Crowds gathered outside detention centers and raid sites, chanting, “Set them free, let them stay!” One tense scene outside a Home Depot showed detainees with hands tied behind their backs being led into white vans, as protesters tried to block their transport.
Law enforcement used flash bangs and crowd control tactics to disperse the demonstrators. Protesters clashed with Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers as anger mounted.
Mayor Karen Bass strongly condemned the operation. “These tactics sow terror in our communities and disrupt basic principles of safety in our city,” she said. “As Mayor of a proud city of immigrants, I am deeply angered by what has taken place.”
Immigration advocates have accused the federal government of targeting vulnerable workers and using intimidation tactics under the guise of law enforcement. Protests are expected to continue over the weekend.
