Laborers gathered outside a Home Depot in Pomona on Tuesday morning, hoping to find work for the day. Instead, they encountered a scene of chaos as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents began detaining workers in the parking lot. Reports indicate that between 15 to 20 individuals were apprehended during this operation.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis confirmed the detentions, stating that her office learned of the incident from community members. In response, she directed the Los Angeles County Office of Immigrant Affairs to assist those affected, ensuring they receive necessary support and resources. Solis emphasized her commitment to protecting the rights of all residents, regardless of their immigration status.
One laborer who managed to avoid detention described the emotional toll of the raid. He expressed his fear and sadness, saying, “We are human beings. We’re only here to support ourselves and maintain our families.” His words reflect the anxiety felt by many in the immigrant community, especially during such enforcement actions.
The raid took place around 8:30 a.m. and involved both marked and unmarked vehicles, according to the Pomona Economic Opportunity Center, a nonprofit organization that supports day laborers. The center condemned the ICE operation, asserting that seeking employment is not a crime and called for community vigilance against such actions.
In light of the increasing fear surrounding immigration enforcement, community groups have established rapid response networks to track and report ICE activity. They encourage individuals to report any immigration enforcement incidents to the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice’s hotline.
The Pomona Police Department confirmed the incident occurred but stated they had no prior knowledge or involvement in the operation. They clarified that immigration enforcement is under federal jurisdiction and not part of local law enforcement duties.
ICE has not provided specific details about the operation, citing the nature of their work and the volume of inquiries they receive. This incident adds to the ongoing concerns about immigration enforcement practices and their impact on local communities, particularly among vulnerable populations seeking work.