Protesters confronted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and FBI agents during a series of coordinated raids across Los Angeles on Friday, as local officials appeared largely supportive of the undocumented immigrants targeted in the operations.
The raids took place at multiple locations, including two Home Depot stores and the headquarters of Ambient Apparel in the city’s fashion district. The enforcement actions spanned areas from downtown Los Angeles to Westlake, Cypress Park, and Skid Row.
As the raids began, Mayor Karen Bass (D-LA) spoke out, condemning the federal agents for enforcing federal immigration laws and issuing a shocking statement via X: “This morning, we received reports of federal immigration enforcement actions in multiple locations in Los Angeles. As mayor of a proud city of immigrants, who contribute to our city in so many ways, I am deeply angered by what has taken place.”
“These tactics sow terror in our communities and disrupt basic principles of safety in our city,” she continued. “My office is in close coordination with immigrant rights community organizations. We will not stand for this,” she added.
During the course of the raids, protesters—apparently acting in line with remarks made by Bass—reportedly trapped ICE agents inside a local building and surrounded the premises. The FBI was called in to defuse the situation.
Protesters also swarmed federal agents and their vehicles as they attempted to exit the area, running alongside—and in some cases directly in front of—moving SUVs. The chaotic scene unfolded as many had feared, with at least one protester captured on video being struck by a vehicle.
Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA) also issued a statement similar to that made by Mayor Bass, writing, “I am closely monitoring the ICE raids that are currently happening across Los Angeles, including at a Korean American-owned store in my district. L.A. has long been a safe haven for immigrants. Trump claims he’s targeting criminals, but he’s really just tearing families apart and destabilizing entire communities.”
