ICE launches ‘military-style' raids in Los Angeles: What we know

Al Jazeera

9 hours ago

Los Angeles witnessed a series of coordinated immigration raids by United States law enforcement officials on Friday, resulting in the arrest of dozens and igniting widespread protests.
The raids, which were carried out in a military-style operation, have intensified concerns about the force used by federal immigration officials and the rights of undocumented individuals.
Here is what we know about the raids and the latest on the ground.
Federal agents from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) conducted a series of 'immigration enforcement operations' across Los Angeles on Friday morning.
Individuals suspected of 'immigration violations and the use of fraudulent documents' were arrested. The arrests were carried out without judicial warrants, according to multiple legal observers and confirmed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), which did not take part in the raids, was called in to quell ensuing protests.
The raids were part of a broader initiative under the Trump administration's intensified immigration policies.
The raids focused on several locations in downtown LA and its immediate surroundings. These spots are known to have significant migrant populations and labour-intensive industries.
Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition of Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), which covers California, said advocates had recorded enforcement activity at seven sites. This included two Home Depot stores in the Westlake District of Los Angeles, a doughnut shop and the clothing wholesaler, Ambiance Apparel in the Fashion District of downtown Los Angeles.
Other locations in which raids were carried out included day labour centres and one other Ambiance facility near 15th Street and Santa Fe Avenue in south Los Angeles.
ICE and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) reported the 'administrative arrest' of 44 individuals for immigration-related offences.
An administrative arrest, unlike a criminal arrest, refers to detention for civil immigration violations such as overstaying a visa or lacking legal status, and does not require criminal charges. These arrests can result in detention, deportation, temporary re-entry bans and denial of future immigration requests.
Advocates believe the number of arrests made was higher, however. Caleb Soto, of the National Day Laborer Organizing Network, told Al Jazeera that between 70 and 80 people had been detained, but only three lawyers have been allowed access to the detention centre where they were being held to provide legal advice.
Additionally, David Huerta, president of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California, was arrested for allegedly obstructing federal agents during the raids. Huerta was reportedly injured during the arrest and received medical treatment at Los Angeles General Medical Center before being taken into custody.
What sets these raids apart from typical civil enforcement actions was their military-style execution, experts say.
According to witnesses, legal observers and advocacy groups, federal agents involved in the operations were heavily armed and dressed in tactical gear, with some wearing camouflage and carrying rifles.
Agents arrived in unmarked black SUVs and armoured vehicles and, at certain points, sealed off entire streets around targeted buildings. Drones were reportedly used for surveillance in some areas and access to sites was blocked off with yellow tape, similar to measures which would be taken during a high-threat counterterrorism or drug bust operation.
The ACLU described the show of force as an 'oppressive and vile paramilitary operation'. Civil liberties groups said the tactics used had created panic in local communities and may have violated protocols for civil immigration enforcement.
As news of the raids spread via social media and through immigrant advocacy networks, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Edward R Roybal Federal Building in downtown Los Angeles, where detainees were being processed.
Demonstrators blocked entrances and exits to the building, chanted slogans and demanded the release of those arrested. Some spray-painted anti-ICE slogans on the building's exterior walls. Several protesters attempted to physically stop ICE vehicles, leading to confrontations with law enforcement.
LAPD officers issued dispersal orders and warned protesters that they would be subject to arrest if they remained in the area. To enforce the order, officers in riot gear deployed tear gas, pepper spray and 'less-lethal munitions', including firing rubber bullets to disperse the crowd. A citywide tactical alert was also issued, requiring all LAPD officers to remain on duty.
Shortly after 7pm on Friday [02:00 GMT Saturday], the LAPD declared the protests to be an 'unlawful assembly', meaning that those who failed to leave the area could be subject to arrest. The declaration appeared to remain in effect until the crowd dispersed later that evening, though no formal end time was publicly announced.
US media outlets and rights groups reported that hundreds of detainees, including children, were held overnight in the basement of the federal building without access to beds, blankets or adequate food and water.
However, an ICE spokesperson told CBS News that the agency 'categorically refutes the assertions made by immigration activists in Los Angeles', stating that it takes its mandate to care for people in custody 'seriously'.
The status of all individuals detained remains unclear. While some have been released, others continue to be held and details about their current locations or conditions have not been fully disclosed.
Local and state officials condemned the raids and the manner in which they were conducted.
In a statement shared on X on Friday, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said such operations 'sow terror in our communities and disrupt basic principles of safety in our city'.California Governor Gavin Newsom issued a statement describing the operations as 'cruel' and 'chaotic', adding that they are an attempt 'to meet an arbitrary arrest quota'.
All 15 members of the Los Angeles City Council issued a joint statement denouncing the raids.
Some Trump administration officials, on the other hand, defended the actions and criticised local leaders for pushing back. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, for instance, suggested that Mayor Karen Bass was undermining federal law.