‘Military-Style’ ICE Raids Spark Outrage in Los Angeles
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – US immigration authorities launched militarized raids across Los Angeles on Friday in what rights groups called an “oppressive” crackdown on immigrant communities.
Federal agents descended on parts of Los Angeles in a coordinated immigration enforcement operation early Friday.
Agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the FBI, and the DEA participated in the raids.
The targets were individuals accused of immigration violations and the use of fraudulent documents.
Multiple legal observers, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), confirmed that arrests were made without judicial warrants.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), which was not part of the raids, was later dispatched to suppress the protests.
The operation was carried out as part of the Trump administration’s ongoing hardline immigration agenda.
Federal forces stormed migrant-heavy zones in downtown Los Angeles and surrounding neighborhoods.
Workers were apprehended from sites including two Home Depot stores in the Westlake District, a doughnut shop, and a clothing distributor in the Fashion District.
Other raids took place at day labor centers and an additional warehouse in South Los Angeles.
ICE reported 44 “administrative arrests” tied to immigration violations.
Unlike criminal arrests, administrative detentions are based on civil immigration charges and do not require proof of a crime.
Such arrests may lead to immediate detention, deportation, and future entry bans.
Immigrant advocates said the real number was far higher, with estimates ranging from 70 to 80.
Only three lawyers have been permitted access to the detainees, according to the National Day Laborer Organizing Network.
“People were essentially kidnapped,” said Caleb Soto of the group, noting that agents wore masks and refused to show documentation.
David Huerta, president of SEIU California, was also arrested during the operation.
He was reportedly injured while trying to obstruct the raid and was treated at Los Angeles General Medical Center before being taken into custody.
Witnesses said the raids bore all the markings of a military assault.
Federal agents appeared in tactical gear, camouflaged uniforms, and carried high-powered rifles.
They arrived in black SUVs and armored vehicles, cordoned off entire city blocks, and used drones for aerial surveillance.
Access to affected areas was restricted with yellow tape—methods normally reserved for anti-terror or drug operations.
The ACLU described the raids as “a vile paramilitary operation.”
Advocates said the tactics terrorized entire neighborhoods and violated civil enforcement norms.
Protests erupted quickly as news spread via social media and activist networks.
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building, where detainees were being processed.
They blocked entry points, chanted slogans, and demanded immediate releases.
Anti-ICE graffiti appeared on the building, and some protesters tried to stop vehicles from leaving.
In response, LAPD officers in riot gear deployed tear gas, pepper spray, and fired rubber bullets into the crowd.
A citywide tactical alert was declared, keeping all officers on active duty.
By 7 p.m., police labeled the gathering an “unlawful assembly” and warned of mass arrests.
Though the crowd dispersed hours later, no official statement ended the order.
Local media and human rights groups reported that detainees, including minors, were held overnight in the federal building’s basement.
They were denied beds, blankets, or sufficient food and water.
An ICE spokesperson rejected the claims, saying the agency “categorically refutes the assertions” and takes detainee care “seriously.”
The full number and condition of those detained remains unknown.
Some have been released, while others remain in custody without transparency on their location or wellbeing.
California officials condemned the actions in unison.
“Such operations sow terror in our communities,” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said on X.
Governor Gavin Newsom called the raids “cruel” and “chaotic,” denouncing them as politically motivated.
All 15 members of the Los Angeles City Council issued a joint statement opposing the crackdown.
Meanwhile, Trump administration figures defended the raids.
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller accused Mayor Bass of undermining federal law.
