Immigration Raids in Los Angeles

Several workers were seized by ICE at a carwash in Los Angeles. Image by Editor.

The Raid

On a quiet Sunday afternoon in Los Angeles, U.S. immigration agents arrived at a car wash near the airport.

The place was busy with customers when officers in olive-green uniforms suddenly showed up. Security cameras caught the scene: workers froze, then scattered in fear. Some jumped fences as agents chased them on foot and in pick-up trucks.

Agents returned the next day and arrested more workers.

Affected Families

Jesús Cruz, who had worked at the car wash for over 10 years and lived in the U.S. for 30 years, was one of six men arrested. His wife, Noemi Ciau, found out through social media and rushed there, but it was too late. She hasn’t heard from him since.

She said, “My husband has no criminal record. We pay taxes and stay out of trouble.” She did not say whether they were in the U.S. legally. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) did not comment on his legal status or the goal of the raid.

Wider Crackdown

This was part of a wider crackdown by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), under President Trump. While Trump once said he would focus on undocumented immigrants with criminal records, arrests are now happening at workplaces like farms and factories. Officials want to raise daily arrests from about 660 to 3,000.

Stephen Miller, a White House adviser, reportedly told ICE to skip target lists and instead raid big businesses to catch as many people as possible.

Other Arrests

At the car wash, the owner said the agents didn’t ask for IDs. “They weren’t doing anything wrong,” he said.

There were also arrests at a clothing business in LA. ICE claimed it was a criminal investigation, not a raid, but it still led to undocumented people being detained.

Protests and Aftermath

Protests soon broke out. People tried to stop the arrests, and federal officers used flash bangs and tear gas. Hundreds were arrested during the protests, and a curfew was enforced in some areas. The White House sent National Guard and Marines to support the raids.

LA County is home to an estimated 900,000 undocumented people—about 10% of the population. Many legal residents have family members without papers. Mayor Karen Bass said the community is afraid, unsure when or where agents might strike next.

Community Response

Social media has helped spread warnings about immigration raids but also false rumors. Some local organizations are offering help—running errands so families can stay inside.

Immigration agencies do not announce where raids will happen, nor do they share details about arrests or where detainees are held. This adds to the confusion and fear.

Personal Stories

One woman whose husband was arrested only found out days later that he was no longer in California. He had been moved to a detention center in El Paso, Texas—over 800 miles away.

Their five-year-old son doesn’t understand. He just thinks his dad is still at work.

Conclusion

The immigration raids in Los Angeles have caused fear and uncertainty in the community. The lack of transparency from immigration agencies has made it difficult for families to know what to expect or how to prepare. As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential to provide support and resources to those affected.

FAQs

Q: What happened during the immigration raid in Los Angeles?

A: U.S. immigration agents arrived at a car wash near the airport and arrested several workers. The raid was part of a wider crackdown by ICE under President Trump.

Q: How many people are estimated to be undocumented in LA County?

A: Approximately 900,000 people, which is about 10% of the population.

Q: What is the community doing to respond to the raids?

A: Local organizations are offering help, such as running errands for families, and social media is being used to spread warnings and information.

Source: BBC News.