Federal agents conduct immigration raids across LA. Protesters and city officials respond

Immigration sweeps were carried out by federal agents in Los Angeles on Friday, causing anger and resistance from onlookers and immigrant rights groups who had expected such actions. According to a statement from a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesperson obtained by KCAL News, around 44 individuals were arrested in the raids conducted at three locations in central Los Angeles.

ICE spokesperson Yasmeen Pitts O’Keefe mentioned that 44 people were administratively arrested, with one arrest for obstruction. The investigation is ongoing, with updates to follow. Videos shared on social media showed confrontations between ICE officers and individuals in downtown L.A., with officers seen moving people who seemed to be impeding their progress.

The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights estimated at least 45 detentions, including SEIU California President David Huerta, who was injured and receiving medical care while in custody. Various immigrant rights leaders, activists, and city officials attended a rally to voice their opposition to the federal operations and demand they cease. LA Mayor Karen Bass and all 15 members of the City Council condemned the raids, emphasizing the city’s support for immigrants.

Protests erupted following the ICE operations, with L.A. Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez criticizing the administration’s focus on unauthorized immigrants. Councilmember Isabel Jurado highlighted the insensitivity of conducting such actions during celebratory moments for families and the LGBTQ+ community.

Immigrant rights groups have been preparing for increased enforcement actions since President Trump’s election. The ACLU and other organizations have been educating undocumented immigrants on their rights and how to respond to ICE encounters. ICE detentions and removals in the L.A. area have surged in recent years, with the Biden administration facing pressure to address illegal immigration.