A man lost his life on Thursday morning after being hit by a vehicle while trying to escape federal immigration officers during a raid at a Home Depot in Los Angeles County, officials confirmed.
Information about the ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) operation is still scarce, but Monrovia police reported that agents were spotted at the store shortly before 10 a.m. Monrovia, a diverse community in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, soon saw fire and rescue crews rushing to the nearby 210 Freeway—a major eight-lane interstate—after receiving reports that a pedestrian had been struck.
The man, whose identity has not yet been released, was taken to a local hospital but later died from his injuries.
In an official statement, Monrovia City Manager Dylan Feik said, “There is no ongoing ICE activity in Monrovia at this time, and the City has not received any communication from ICE. We extend our deepest condolences to the individual and his loved ones.”
This deadly incident comes amid a wave of federal raids in recent weeks targeting Home Depot locations across Southern California, known gathering spots for day laborers seeking job opportunities.
State Assemblymember John Harabedian, who represents the area, revealed that 10 people were detained during Thursday’s enforcement action. “One person, terrified for their safety, ran from the scene and was tragically struck by a vehicle,” he explained.
The raid reflects the broader anti-immigrant policies under Donald Trump, who has long pushed for aggressive deportations and mass detentions. In August, immigration detention numbers soared to more than 60,000 people—breaking the record previously set during Trump’s first term.
The administration has expanded federal deportation powers and increased ICE funding to historic levels, with Republican allies in Congress tripling its budget over the years.
California, a sanctuary state committed to protecting immigrant rights, has become a frequent target for these federal operations. Just earlier this month, the U.S. Justice Department listed states, cities, and counties it claims “obstruct federal immigration enforcement” and vowed to challenge these protections in court.
Despite these safeguards, raids continue, spreading fear throughout immigrant communities. Across the nation, cultural events have been canceled, religious services scaled back, and many workers have stopped showing up for jobs in targeted areas.
One DACA recipient told the Guardian last month that she now avoids even basic errands. “We’re scared. When we go to the store, it feels like someone is watching us. Sometimes we don’t even want to see a doctor or dentist,” she said.
Condemning the actions, Harabedian called the enforcement “inhumane” and warned that such operations do more harm than good. “Raids like this don’t make our streets safer—they shatter families, create chaos, and cost lives. My heart is with those targeted and harmed by this reckless action, and I will continue to stand with our immigrant neighbors,” he said.
Description:
“A Home Depot raid in Los Angeles County turned deadly when a man fleeing ICE agents was struck and killed. Discover the details, political fallout, and growing fears in immigrant communities.”