A raid by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents outside a Home Depot in Hollywood, California, has caused alarm among residents, immigration rights advocates and local authorities. The raid occurred in early June 2025 and was captured on video by eyewitnesses, who denounced the excessive use of force and the detention of more than 20 people at the site.
In the images, broadcast by Telemundo and other local media, armed agents in tactical gear can be seen entering the parking lot of the establishment and taking away Latino workers, many of them day laborers seeking daily employment.
More raids and protests
The ICE raid in Hollywood was not an isolated incident.
In the following days, similar raids were reported in Pasadena, Westlake and Paramount.
All related to points where migrant workers gather to look for construction or landscaping jobs.
The arrests generated massive protests in front of the establishments, where demonstrators denounced the criminalization of informal labor.
In Paramount, a rally in front of another Home Depot erupted into riots when police and federal agents attempted to break up the protest with tear gas.
Several community leaders were detained.
They reject the operatives
Elected officials such as Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass publicly condemned the raids.
He described them as “a strategy of intimidation that has no place in our communities”.
En los días siguientes, se reportaron redadas similares en Pasadena, Westlake y Paramount
Governor Gavin Newsom also expressed his rejection, noting that the federal actions put the social and labor stability of the state at risk.
Thirty Southern California mayors signed a joint letter requesting the federal government to suspend immigration enforcement in public spaces frequented by workers.
Raid zones affect families
Buzzy
Organizations such as Union del Barrio, the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) and the ACLU have documented multiple rights violations during arrests.
Including the detention of persons without proper verification of immigration status or without valid court orders.
Traditional gathering spots for Hispanic workers – such as Home Depot parking lots – have become hot spots.
This has severely affected the livelihoods of hundreds of migrant families in California.
What to do in the event of a raid:
1.Know your rights: Do not sign anything without a lawyer and remain silent if you are detained.
Do not open the door without a warrant: ICE needs a warrant signed by a judge.
3. Document and seek legal help: Recording operations and contacting local organizations can protect lives.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
