More than 40 people were arrested during Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids on Friday, June 6, in Los Angeles, prompting protests. Local media reported that law enforcement used flash-bang grenades and pepper spray during these demonstrations.
One of the protests took place outside of a federal detention center in Los Angeles, where lawyers said the people arrested were taken, according to The Associated Press. Some held signs with “ICE out of LA” on them, and chanted “Set them free, let them stay!”
Yasmeen Pitts O’Keefe, a spokesperson for Homeland Security Investigations, told the Los Angeles Times that 44 people were administratively arrested and one person was arrested for obstruction. Federal agents executed four search warrants at three places over the alleged illegal harboring of people, O’Keefe said.
Local leaders condemn raids
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said her office is in “close coordination” with immigrant rights organizations.
“As Mayor of a proud city of immigrants, who contribute to our city in so many ways, I am deeply angered by what has taken place,” Bass said on X. “These tactics sow terror in our communities and disrupt basic principles of safety in our city.”
ICE acting Director Todd Lyons criticized Bass for this post, saying in a statement that she “took the side of chaos and lawlessness over law enforcement.” FBI Director Kash Patel also responded to Bass, quote-tweeting her post saying “We will not stand for this” with the caption “We will.”
Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, said at a news conference that the organization received over 50 calls to its hotline about reported ICE sightings and “men in military garb” setting up in parking lots and locations near schools. In addition to the schools, ICE was also seen at two Home Depot locations and a doughnut shop, among other places, Salas said.
“Our community is under attack and is being terrorized,” Salas said. “These are workers. These are fathers. These are mothers. And this has to stop.”
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Immigrants make up over 34% of Los Angeles’ population, according to city data. Around 1.35 million immigrants live in LA.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn called the ICE raids “chilling” in a statement on social media.
“They aren’t targeting violent criminals — they are sweeping up hardworking people in our communities just trying to provide for their families,” Hahn said. “These agents are armed to the teeth and it is clear their goal is to make people afraid.”
LAPD responds to protests, arrests
The Los Angeles Police Department put out “unlawful assembly” declarations throughout the night. Officers reported that “a small group of violent individuals” threw “large pieces of concrete” at one point, according to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).
However, LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said his force was not involved in civil immigration enforcement.
“While the LAPD will continue to have a visible presence in all our communities to ensure public safety, we will not assist or participate in any sort of mass deportations, nor will the LAPD try to determine an individual’s immigration status,” McDonnell said in a statement.
Los Angeles is what’s called a “sanctuary city,” meaning it restricts local law enforcement from working with federal immigration authorities. An ordinance passed in November 2024 prohibits the city from using resources and police officers for immigration enforcement or sharing information on people residing in the U.S. illegally with federal authorities.
Union leader arrested
Among those arrested on Friday was David Huerta, the president of the Service Employees International Union California and SEIU- United Service Workers West. He said the union was documenting the sweeps.
In a statement, SEIU California said Huerta was treated for “injuries sustained during his arrest.”
“What happened to me 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,” Huerta said. “Hard-working people, and members of our family and our community, are being treated like criminals. We all collectively have to object to this madness because this is not justice. This is injustice. And we all have to stand on the right side of justice.”
U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California Bill Essayli said in a statement that Huerta “deliberately obstructed” federal agents’ access at a worksite.
“He was arrested for interfering with federal officers and will face arraignment in federal court on Monday,” Essayli said. “Let me be clear: I don’t care who you are — if you impede federal agents, you will be arrested and prosecuted.”
A crackdown on immigration has been a focal point of President Donald Trump’s agenda, which has led to various legal challenges to his administration. Five months into his second term, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has made 100,000 arrests, per internal data obtained by CBS News.
