Leaving the Dogs, Leaving the Cats: The Pets Detained Migrants Can't Take

Newsweek

25-07-2025

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Los Angeles animal shelters have reported an uptick in new arrivals, while locals are taking matters into their own hands after thousands of immigrants have been swept up in the Trump administration's raids across the city.
The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) told Newsweek that its shelters had taken in 19 pets from families caught up in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) efforts since June 10.
"We understand that surrendering a pet can be an incredibly emotional decision, and we are here to assist anyone who finds themselves in need of help at any of the County's seven animal care centers," Christopher A Valles, animal control manager with DACC, told Newsweek via email.
Gods left behind by their immigrant families following ICE raids in Los Angeles, California.
Gods left behind by their immigrant families following ICE raids in Los Angeles, California.
Matthew Rudolph
L.A. has been a focal point for federal agencies cracking down on illegal immigration in recent weeks, sparking protests and pushback from the city's largely Democratic leaders, who have warned that communities will be devastated by the loss of illegal immigrants who have built lives in southern California.
While the administration's hard-line immigration efforts had been broadly popular at the start of Trump's second term, public opinion has fallen sharply this summer, as images of masked ICE agents detaining people at court hearings, at work, church, school, in traffic and elsewhere have rocketed across the media. A Gallup poll this month showed support for reducing immigration levels dropped from 55 percent last year to 30 percent, with 79 percent of Americans now viewing immigration as a positive force for the country.
As ICE raids took place across L.A., mirroring similar enforcement actions seen across the country in recent months, immigrants facing detention and deportation have been forced in some cases to give up a beloved member of their family — their pets.
L.A. County DACC, which operates seven animal care centers, has taken in four cats and 15 dogs as families either self-deported or were swept up by federal agents.
The agency's data gives a snapshot into a growing concern in places where people are being arrested off the street, detained indefinitely or immediately deported. Animals cannot go where their arrested or deported owners have gone, leaving them in need of a new home.
Matthew Rudolph, a dog trainer and owner of Happy Heart Pet Care, has been trying to locate and rescue the animals left behind in Los Angeles. He told Newsweek that it takes time to find some animals because the only people who know of their existence are the ones who are working one minute and in ICE custody the next.
"I got involved out of the futility of trying to track down and document ICE arrests and being completely defeated as the siege began," Rudolph said. "As dog trainers for 15 years, we immediately turned our attention to the welfare of the animals that surely were being left to die in some or many cases."
Working with his partner Anna Marie, Rudolph has been "slowly but surely" figuring out how best to rescue the dogs whose owners have left. One method has been to network with immigration attorneys who can notify them when arrests have taken place, along with speaking to shelters across the city.
Photos depict people taken by ICE during a protest art installation outside a federal building on July 17, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
Photos depict people taken by ICE during a protest art installation outside a federal building on July 17, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.Rudolph acknowledged the sensitivity of his role, saying that as a white man, he is aware of how his presence may be perceived when approaching immigrant families in vulnerable situations. He expressed concern that his efforts to help could be misinterpreted, especially when it involves the potential consequences of deportation.
Rudolph voiced frustration over what he sees as the dehumanization of immigrants by the Trump administration.
"Cruelty is the point," Rudolph said, adding that the political climate has left little room for compassion from the government, particularly when it comes to migrant families affected by the sweeping immigration raids.
Rudolph explained that even attempting to reunite a pet with an owner deported across the border to Mexico is an expensive and laborious process. It involves navigating both U.S. and Mexican customs regulations, along with meeting various travel and health documentation requirements, costing thousands of dollars in some cases.
"In terms of re-homing, we've discussed it, we've thought it through but we can't—that's such a luxury. We'd love to be able to have fundraisers for that," Rudolph said.
While the fate of their owners may remain unknown, some pets have already found new homes, Valles said.
"We are pleased to report that during this time, eight of the dogs have already found permanent homes, highlighting the community's willingness to support these animals in need," Valles said. "DACC will continue to provide resources and care for pets affected by these circumstances, ensuring they receive the love and attention they deserve while we work to find them new families."
As so-called "sanctuary cities" like L.A. have seen the most ICE enforcement operations, communities are forming rapid response networks to help those vulnerable.
"I've never been more proud of Los Angeles in my entire life," Rudolph said.