At a press conference on Thursday, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass made an alarming statement about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents reportedly appearing at a homeless shelter in the city. She claimed that ICE had shown up at the Whitsett West Tiny Home Village in North Hollywood, raising concerns among residents and local officials.
The situation surrounding the shelter visit is unclear. The Whitsett West Tiny Home Village, which provides temporary housing for about 150 people, is operated by the nonprofit Hope the Mission. Mayor Bass’s comments come amid rising tensions in Los Angeles over immigration enforcement, particularly as federal agents have been targeting locations such as Home Depots and schools.
Bass expressed her fears that the presence of ICE at sensitive locations like homeless shelters could create a climate of fear among vulnerable populations. She described the recent actions by ICE as an escalation, stating that they have provoked anxiety among residents and local officials alike.
In response to Bass’s claims, the Department of Homeland Security quickly refuted her statements, asserting that ICE does not operate in homeless shelters. The agency emphasized that such rhetoric undermines the work of law enforcement.
Reports from the Whitsett West Tiny Home Village suggest that some individuals attempted to gain access to the facility, claiming to be American citizens wanting to see how taxpayer dollars were being used. Security guards at the shelter denied entry to these visitors, who were dressed in civilian clothing. Additionally, staff members reported seeing individuals taking pictures from outside the complex.
City Councilmember Adrin Nazarian visited the shelter after staff raised concerns about the presence of DHS vehicles nearby. He described the situation as a potential tactic to instill fear within the community. Nazarian and other local leaders are currently investigating reports of federal agents’ presence in the area to determine their credibility.
The anxiety surrounding immigration enforcement in Los Angeles has heightened, especially in a city that identifies as a "sanctuary city," where local law enforcement is not supposed to assist federal immigration officials. With the ongoing uncertainty and mixed messages from federal authorities, many community members are left feeling vulnerable and concerned about their safety.
As the situation develops, local leaders and community organizations continue to monitor reports of federal activity, striving to provide clarity and support to those affected by the ongoing immigration debate.