The Department of Homeland Security launched a wave of raids across Los Angeles on Friday, sparking heated confrontations with protesters who gathered in defiance.
Masked agents were caught on video dragging people out of two Home Depot locations in the LA area, as well as from the headquarters of Ambient Apparel, a clothing manufacturer in LA’s Fashion District. According to immigration advocates, at least four other sites were hit, including a local doughnut shop.
Officials have yet to confirm how many individuals were detained during the coordinated sweeps.
Speaking at a press conference, Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, said at least 45 people were arrested without warrants.
“Our community is under attack,” Salas declared. “These are workers, these are fathers and mothers—and this has to stop. This kind of immigration enforcement that tears apart our families must end now.”
As the day wore on, protests swelled. By 6 p.m., hundreds had gathered around the federal building in downtown LA, where those arrested were being held.
Throughout the day, armed agents in full tactical gear, some wearing gas masks, were seen on ground and via aerial footage, attempting to disperse crowds and corral demonstrators.
Reports say smoke grenades and pepper spray were deployed to break up crowds. As night fell, videos showed officers firing less-lethal rounds at protestors.
Some in the crowd tried to block armored vehicles carrying FBI agents. One protester reportedly hurled eggs at the trucks.
The Los Angeles Fire Department was called in to treat injured protestors, including David Huerta, president of the California branch of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). The union demanded his immediate release.
“We demand an end to these cruel, destructive, and indiscriminate ICE raids,” said Tia Orr, executive director of SEIU California. “Immigrant workers are the backbone of this country—they feed us, care for our elderly, clean our spaces, and build our homes.”
Despite claims of non-involvement in civil immigration enforcement, the Los Angeles Police Department assisted federal agents in dispersing demonstrators, stating their presence was solely for public safety.
On the streets, advocates with megaphones reminded workers of their rights, shouting names and demanding access to legal counsel, according to the Los Angeles Times.
“The community is here with you,” one protester shouted. “Your family is here with you.”
City leaders didn’t hold back in condemning the raids, which are part of a broader ICE operation driven by Donald Trump’s orders.
“I’m closely watching the ICE raids unfolding across LA,” posted Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove on X. She noted that one raid targeted a Korean-American owned business in her district.
“Los Angeles has always been a safe haven for immigrants,” she added. “Trump says he’s going after criminals, but he’s really ripping families apart and shaking entire communities.”
Mayor Karen Bass also slammed the raids, stating she was “deeply angered” and working with immigrant rights groups in response.
“These tactics instill fear and undermine safety in our city,” she said. “We won’t tolerate this.”
LA Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez echoed those sentiments:
“This is escalating. Agents strike without warning and vanish quickly, knowing our communities mobilize fast. I urge all Angelenos—stay alert.”
Description:
"Federal immigration raids in Los Angeles spark mass protests, arrests, and outrage from community leaders and immigrant rights advocates. The Department of Homeland Security targeted multiple locations, including businesses and workplaces, igniting widespread demonstrations and calls to end ICE enforcement."