Immigration raids in Los Angeles on Friday led to the detention of dozens of people and triggered significant chaos in the downtown area. The raids, carried out by federal agents, targeted several locations, including a clothing wholesaler in the garment district and a Home Depot in the Westlake District.
At the Ambiance Apparel, agents detained employees while clashes broke out between authorities and protesters. Witnesses reported that federal agents used pepper spray and flash-bang grenades to disperse the crowd that had gathered to protest the raid. The situation escalated around 1:30 p.m. as agents attempted to detain individuals inside the store.
Protesters tried to block the exits, and some threw objects at the agents. In response, law enforcement used pepper spray to control the crowd. The agents managed to escort at least a dozen individuals out of the store and into waiting vans, while tactical vehicles lined the streets.
The U.S. attorney for Los Angeles confirmed that 44 people were arrested during the operation, with one individual facing charges for obstruction. The raids were part of a broader initiative to enforce immigration laws, with search warrants executed at multiple locations based on suspected illegal activity.
Carlos González Gutiérrez, the Consul General of Mexico in Los Angeles, reported that at least 11 Mexican nationals were among those detained. His office is providing legal assistance to those affected and monitoring their detention conditions.
The raids prompted outrage among local officials and activists. David Huerta, president of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California, was injured and detained while documenting the enforcement actions. He was later treated at a hospital and transferred to the Metropolitan Detention Center. Many elected leaders have called for his release, emphasizing the need to stand against what they view as unjust treatment of community members.
Protests continued into the weekend, with demonstrators clashing with federal agents at a Home Depot in Paramount. Local officials have voiced their concerns over the tactics used during these operations, calling for investigations into the enforcement methods employed by federal agents.
Mayor Karen Bass condemned the raids, stating they instill fear within the community. The protests have drawn significant attention, highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement and the impact on local communities.