Immigration raids sparked significant anxiety and anger across Southern California over the weekend, even as President Trump hinted at a possible shift in his approach to workplace enforcement. On Saturday afternoon, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducted a raid at the Santa Fe Springs Swap Meet, just hours before a concert was set to begin.
Witnesses reported that around 50 to 80 armed agents arrived at the venue at approximately 3:30 p.m. They were accompanied by numerous vehicles and helicopters. Howie Rezendez, who filmed the incident, noted the agents’ swift entry into the venue. The concert, featuring popular acts like Los Cadetes de Linares and La Nueva Rebelión, was scheduled for 5:30 p.m., but online footage showed a nearly empty venue, a stark contrast to its usual crowd.
Omar Benjamin Zaldivar, another witness, stated that ICE apprehended several individuals during the operation. He expressed concern that anyone who appeared Hispanic was targeted. The exact number of people detained remains unclear, but the raid prompted swap meet officials to postpone the concert, stating they would provide further details later.
This raid coincided with heightened tensions surrounding immigration enforcement. Trump recently softened his stance on undocumented workers in the service industry, acknowledging that they fill essential roles in sectors like agriculture and hospitality. He remarked on social media that aggressive immigration policies were causing labor shortages in these fields.
In response to the ongoing raids, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins emphasized the need for a careful approach to deportations, citing potential disruptions to the food supply. Critics of Trump’s policies argue that mass deportations would severely impact the agricultural workforce, which is heavily reliant on undocumented labor.
Labor leaders voiced skepticism about the administration’s intentions, warning that ongoing enforcement actions in agricultural areas could lead to the detention of essential workers. Antonio De Loera, a spokesperson for United Farm Workers, highlighted that immigration agents could easily apprehend workers outside of their jobs, as many undocumented individuals live and participate in their communities.
As the situation unfolded, protests erupted in Los Angeles, particularly during a major soccer match at SoFi Stadium. Hundreds of demonstrators voiced their opposition to the raids, waving Mexican flags and holding signs critical of Trump. Esmeralda Sanchez, a protester, expressed solidarity with her family and friends who are undocumented, stating that their voices needed to be heard.
The atmosphere at the stadium was mixed, with some fans enjoying barbecues and others expressing fears about the raids. Jesse Murillo, a supporter of the Mexican national team, emphasized the importance of showing solidarity despite the risks involved.
In the wake of these events, street vendors in Los Angeles have begun to withdraw from public spaces, fearing for their safety amid the immigration sweeps. In response, local nonprofits like Ktown for All have initiated fundraising efforts to support these vendors, providing financial assistance to help them cover expenses while they stay off the streets.
The ongoing immigration raids and the reactions they provoke reflect a broader national conversation about immigration policy, community safety, and the essential roles that undocumented workers play in the economy.