Activists across Los Angeles County have launched nightly noise demonstrations outside hotels where they believe U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are staying. In many cases, ICE’s presence has not been officially confirmed, but protesters say patterns of vehicle activity and eyewitness accounts suggest federal agents are using the hotels.
The campaign, known as “No Sleep for ICE,” began shortly after ICE launched mass immigration raids on June 6 in predominantly Latino neighborhoods. Agents reportedly wore ski masks, street clothes and tactical gear.
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Protests have occurred in cities such as Montebello, Pasadena, Burbank, Whittier, Glendale, Arcadia, Downey, Long Beach and Hacienda Heights. They usually begin around 9 or 10 p.m. and last until early morning. Organizers say the actions are peaceful but intentionally disruptive.
What tactics are protesters using?
Protesters are relying on constant noise to make their presence felt. They march around hotel parking lots with signs and flags, play mariachi music, chant slogans and coordinate horn blasts from passing cars.
Videos circulating on social media show the scenes, often unfolding late into the night.
Many protesters share information through Instagram accounts like “no.sleep.for.ice” and encourage followers to leave one-star reviews on platforms like Yelp and TripAdvisor.
The Cambria Hotel in Burbank received 12 one-star Yelp reviews overnight following a protest. Staff members said the demonstration successfully pressured ICE agents to leave. One guest told local reporters the protests were “effective but obnoxious.”
Although not a sanctuary city, Burbank passed a resolution in February expanding protections for immigrants lacking legal status, including restrictions on information sharing with federal immigration authorities.
How have hotels and ICE responded?
ICE officials claim the protests are fueled by misinformation and accuse local leaders of inciting hostility. An ICE spokesperson told USA Today, “This violence is fueled by a disinformation campaign, which includes dangerous rhetoric by local elected officials.”
In some cases, hotel workers expressed frustration over management decisions to host ICE, stating that it caused tension among staff and guests.
How have city officials and law enforcement reacted?
Local officials have issued limited public responses. However, California State Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez confirmed ICE’s presence at Pasadena hotels on June 8 and said some had since checked out under public pressure.
Protesters report that Whittier police used “less lethal” munitions to disperse demonstrators outside a DoubleTree hotel on June 11. They later regrouped and resumed protesting.
