• ICE arrested 44 people across multiple Los Angeles locations during coordinated raids.
• Protests erupted outside detention centers, with police using tear gas and flash bangs to disperse crowds.
• Community leaders condemned the raids as attacks on immigrant families and workers.

Federal immigration officers arrested 44 individuals on Friday across several locations in Los Angeles. The arrests sparked protests at some sites. At one location, law enforcement used flash bangs to break up a crowd of demonstrators. These raids are part of a larger push by federal authorities to increase immigration enforcement across the country.

Immigration Authorities Conduct Raids at Several Workplaces, Including Home Depots and a Warehouse

ICE agents served search warrants at three sites, according to Homeland Security Investigations spokesperson Yasmeen Pitts O’Keefe. However, immigrant rights groups said arrests happened at seven locations. These included two Home Depot stores, a doughnut shop, and a warehouse in the fashion district. Angelica Salas, director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), shared this information. Agents targeted the fashion district business because they suspected the employer used fake documents for some workers. U.S. Attorney’s Office spokesperson Ciaran McEvoy confirmed officials had probable cause before executing the warrant.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass Condemns Raids, Calling Them Acts of Terrorism

Mayor Karen Bass strongly criticized the immigration raids. She said these actions aim to “sow terror” within immigrant communities. Bass called for an end to aggressive immigration enforcement that targets workers and families. Her statement reflected the growing tension between city leaders and federal immigration officials.

ICE Boosts Nationwide Arrests Following President Trump’s Promise of Mass Deportations

Federal authorities have increased immigration arrests nationwide. This surge follows President Donald Trump’s pledge to carry out mass deportations. Todd Lyons, head of ICE, defended the agency’s approach despite public criticism. He said ICE makes around 1,600 arrests daily and focuses on apprehending “dangerous criminals.” Lyons dismissed claims that the agency uses heavy-handed tactics.

Recent Immigration Raids Trigger Protests in San Diego and Minneapolis

Communities in other cities also protested recent immigration raids. In San Diego, officials raided a restaurant, leading to public outcry. In Minneapolis, federal agents in tactical gear entered a Latino neighborhood. Officials claimed the Minneapolis operation targeted a criminal investigation, not immigration enforcement. Still, residents protested, fearing more deportations.

Protesters Rally Outside Los Angeles Detention Center Demanding Release of Detainees

On Friday evening, dozens of protesters gathered outside a federal detention center in Los Angeles. They believed the arrested individuals were held there. The crowd chanted slogans like “set them free, let them stay!” and “ICE out of LA!” Some protesters carried signs, while others shouted through megaphones. Some even sprayed graffiti on the building’s exterior.

Police Respond with Tear Gas and Batons to Disperse Protesters

Law enforcement officers formed a protective line at the detention center entrance. They stood shoulder to shoulder, holding shields. When the crowd grew restless, police deployed tear gas canisters to clear the area. Officers wearing helmets and carrying batons slowly pushed the protesters down the street. The police used these tactics to maintain control and secure the facility.

Immigration Advocates Condemn Raids as Attacks on Families and Communities

Angelica Salas, of CHIRLA, spoke to the media during a press conference. She said the immigrant community faces an ongoing attack. Salas described the detainees as workers, mothers, and fathers. She demanded that immigration enforcement targeting families stop immediately. Her remarks reflected widespread fear and anger among immigrant rights groups.

Deportation of a Man Arrested at Home Depot Shocks His Family and Advocates

Yliana Johansen-Mendez from the Immigrant Defenders Law Center shared a troubling case. A man arrested at a Home Depot was deported to Mexico on Friday. His family reached out for help, and an attorney waited for hours to meet him at the detention center. But officials removed the man before the meeting could happen. He later contacted his family from Mexico, confirming his deportation.

Videos Capture ICE Agents Leading Handcuffed Detainees Through Parking Lots and Streets

Several videos from bystanders and news crews documented parts of the raids. Footage showed detainees being walked across a Home Depot parking lot. Federal agents handcuffed their hands behind their backs. Agents wore vests marked FBI, ICE, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Officers used yellow police tape to keep crowds at a distance.

Police Use Smoke Bombs and Flash Bangs to Break Up Protesters Near the Warehouse Raid

Aerial footage showed officers throwing smoke bombs and flash bangs on the street. They used these devices to scatter protesters so that vehicles could leave safely. One clip showed a protester running backward with hands on a moving white SUV. The person fell but the vehicle backed up, drove around them, and sped off. Other protesters threw objects at the vehicle.

Immigrant Rights Groups Warn Workers of Their Legal Rights During Raids

Advocates used megaphones to remind workers of their constitutional rights. They told people not to sign any documents or speak to federal agents without a lawyer present. The Los Angeles Times reported these warnings aimed to protect workers from unknowingly waiving their rights during arrests.

Daughter Speaks Out After Her Undocumented Father Is Targeted in Raid

Katia Garcia, 18, left school after learning ICE might have targeted her father. Her father, Marco Garcia, has lived in the U.S. for 20 years without documentation. Katia, a U.S. citizen, told the Los Angeles Times, “We never thought this would happen to us.” Her story highlights the human impact of these immigration enforcement actions.

Union Leader and One Person Arrested During Protests for Documenting and Obstruction

Yasmeen Pitts O’Keefe said one person was arrested for obstruction during the protests. The California Service Employees International Union also reported its president was detained. He was exercising his right to observe and record the law enforcement activity. These arrests add to concerns about how authorities handle peaceful protests.