Federal agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement carried out multiple immigration sweeps across Los Angeles on Friday, including operations downtown that led to tense confrontations with community members.
Agents were seen pursuing individuals near a Home Depot in Westlake and detaining workers at a clothing store in the Garment District. Crowds gathered at both locations, shouting at officers and recording the arrests. At least 44 people were taken into custody on suspicion of harboring individuals in the country illegally, along with one person arrested for obstruction, according to Homeland Security Investigations.
Among those detained was David Huerta, California president of the Service Employees International Union, who union officials said was injured while observing the raid. U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said Huerta was arrested for interfering with federal officers and will face arraignment.
The enforcement actions are part of President Donald Trump’s expanded deportation push, which has recently included high-profile raids in Southern California. Local leaders, including Mayor Karen Bass and members of the City Council, criticized the operations, saying they create fear in immigrant communities.
Police Chief Jim McDonnell emphasized that the Los Angeles Police Department is not involved in civil immigration enforcement and does not determine immigration status. Meanwhile, advocacy groups reported a surge in calls about ICE activity across the region, as arrest numbers nationwide have risen sharply in recent weeks.
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