Federal immigration raids across Los Angeles on Friday triggered widespread protests and condemnation from community leaders, advocates, and residents. The coordinated sweeps, conducted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), targeted multiple locations including Home Depot stores, a doughnut shop, and the Ambient Apparel headquarters in the Fashion District.
Masked agents in tactical gear, some wearing gas masks, were seen pulling individuals from the premises, while demonstrators clashed with federal officers throughout the day. Videos from the scene showed smoke grenades and pepper spray being deployed, with some officers firing less-lethal weapons into crowds attempting to block armored federal vehicles.
Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, said at a press conference that at least 45 individuals were arrested without warrants.
“Our community is under attack and is being terrorized,” said Salas. “These are workers, these are fathers, these are mothers. Immigration enforcement that is terrorizing our families must stop now.”
By 6 p.m., hundreds had gathered outside the federal building in downtown LA, where the detainees were believed to be held. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to assist injured protesters, including David Huerta, president of SEIU California, who was reportedly harmed during the crackdown.
“We call for an end to the cruel, destructive, and indiscriminate ICE raids that are tearing apart our communities,” said SEIU California executive director Tia Orr. “Immigrant workers are essential to our society.”
Despite stating it does not engage in civil immigration enforcement, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) assisted federal officers with crowd control “to ensure public safety.”
Outside the targeted sites, advocates used megaphones to broadcast legal rights to workers inside. “The community is here with you,” one protester shouted. “Your family is here with you.”
City and state leaders denounced the raids, which are part of a broader crackdown under President Donald Trump’s renewed immigration policy directives. Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove called the raids “destabilizing” and urged constituents to reach out for support.
“LA has long been a safe haven for immigrants,” she wrote on X. “Trump claims he’s targeting criminals, but he’s really just tearing families apart.”
Mayor Karen Bass expressed “deep anger” in a statement, pledging coordination with immigrant rights organizations.
“These tactics sow terror in our communities,” Bass said. “We will not stand for this.”
Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez warned residents to remain alert: “These actions are escalating. Agents arrive without warning and leave quickly, aware that our communities mobilize fast.”
No official count of detainees has been released by DHS as of Saturday morning.
