The Department of Homeland Security conducted raids on multiple locations across Los Angeles on Friday, resulting in clashes with crowds of people who gathered to protest. Masked agents were recorded pulling several people out of two Home Depot stores and the headquarters of the clothing manufacturer Ambient Apparel’s in LA’s Fashion District. There has been no confirmation yet on the number of people taken into custody, but initial estimates suggest that around two dozen individuals were loaded into white vans and taken away.
Armed agents, dressed in heavy protective and tactical gear, were seen pushing individuals and trying to corral large groups that congregated to challenge the raids. Smoke grenades were reportedly thrown near the crowds and pepper spray was used by federal officers attempting to clear the area. Some people in the crowd attempted to block large armored trucks carrying FBI agents as they departed, and one person reportedly threw eggs at the vehicles.
The Los Angeles fire department was called to the scene to provide aid to protesters injured by agents and officers, including the president of the California branch of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), David Huerta. SEIU’s executive director, Tia Orr, called for an end to the “cruel, destructive, and indiscriminate ICE raids” and emphasized the essential role that immigrant workers play in the society.
The Los Angeles police department assisted the federal officers in dispersing demonstrators, despite their insistence that they are not involved in “civil immigration enforcement.” Advocates used megaphones to remind workers of their rights and demanded access to lawyers.
Los Angeles leaders quickly condemned the actions, which were part of a series of high-profile raids conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement under orders from Donald Trump. Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove stated that Los Angeles has long been a safe haven for immigrants and accused Trump of targeting families and destabilizing communities. Mayor Karen Bass expressed deep anger over the incident and stated her office is coordinating with immigrant rights community organizations. Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez urged Angelenos to stay alert
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/06/los-angeles-ice-raids-immigration
