LOS ANGELES, CA – Federal immigration raids across Los Angeles on Friday led to dozens of detentions and sparked widespread protests, culminating in clashes between demonstrators and riot police in downtown areas.

Key Insights:

• Scale of Operations – Federal agents, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and FBI, conducted operations across at least three locations in Los Angeles, including a Home Depot in Westlake and businesses in the Fashion District.
• Detentions and Protests – Approximately 44 people were administratively arrested, with one additional arrest for obstruction. Protests quickly formed, leading to an “unlawful assembly” declaration by LAPD and some physical confrontations between officers and demonstrators.
• Official Condemnation – Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and all 15 City Council members issued strong condemnations of the federal actions, asserting that the tactics sow terror and disrupt community safety.

The operations were linked to search warrants concerning the harboring of individuals illegally in the country. The swift federal action prompted immediate backlash from immigrant rights groups and city officials.

Federal Agents Execute Search Warrants in Los Angeles

On Friday, June 6, 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, alongside partners from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the FBI, initiated multiple immigration enforcement operations across Los Angeles. These actions included serving search warrants at various businesses, such as a Home Depot Home Depot in the Westlake District and an apparel business in the Fashion District. HSI spokesperson Yasmeen Pitts O’Keefe indicated that agents were executing search warrants related to the harboring of individuals illegally in the country. Federal agents, some in tactical gear, were seen escorting people from locations into unmarked vans, with aerial footage capturing some of the detentions. In total, approximately 44 people were administratively arrested, and one person was arrested for obstruction, according to officials.

Community Rallies Against Raids, Leading to Clashes

As news of the raids spread, immigrant rights organizations and community members quickly mobilized. The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) estimated at least 45 detentions. Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California President David Huerta was among those detained, with union authorities reporting he sustained an injury and received medical attention while in custody. In a statement, Huerta emphasized that the incident “is not about me; This is about something much bigger… This is about how we as a community stand together and resist the injustice that’s happening.”

Later in the day, a large rally was held, with over 300 people marching toward a federal detention center. The demonstrations escalated into confrontations with riot police, who declared an “unlawful assembly” and ordered crowds to disperse. Officers reportedly used tear gas and pepper spray, while some protesters were seen throwing projectiles, including pieces of concrete. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) stated that its officers were called in to manage the unrest but were not involved in the immigration enforcement actions. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell clarified that the department adheres to a long-standing policy of not assisting or participating in mass deportations or determining an individual’s immigration status.

City Officials Condemn Federal Actions

Los Angeles city officials swiftly condemned the federal operations. Mayor Karen Bass issued a statement expressing deep anger at the tactics, stating, “These tactics sow terror in our communities and disrupt basic principles of safety in our city.” She affirmed her office’s coordination with immigrant rights organizations, declaring, “We will not stand for this.” All 15 members of the City Council released a joint statement echoing the mayor’s sentiments, emphasizing that “Los Angeles was built by immigrants and it thrives because of immigrants” and that the city “will not abide by fear tactics to support extreme political agendas.” Councilmember Isabel Jurado criticized the timing of the operations, noting they occurred during graduation season and Pride Month, calling it “cruelty disguised as policy.” Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) also weighed in, calling the raids a “continuation of a disturbing pattern of extreme and cruel immigration enforcement operations.”