Federal immigration agents, local police, and masked individuals are all involved in rounding up immigrants in California as of July 27, 2025. This mix of actors has led to confusion, fear, and debate about who is responsible for enforcing immigration laws and how these actions affect immigrant communities.
Federal Immigration Enforcement: ICE and CBP Operations
The main agencies carrying out immigration raids and arrests in California are U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). These federal agents have stepped up their efforts in recent months, especially after President Trump’s 2025 executive orders that call for stricter deportation and border control. For example, on July 10, 2025, ICE and CBP officers raided marijuana grow sites in Carpinteria and Camarillo, arresting about 200 undocumented immigrants and rescuing at least 10 migrant children from suspected exploitation and human trafficking.
Federal officials describe ICE and CBP officers as “brave” and “heroic,” especially since they often face violent resistance during these operations. There have been reports of gunfire and rioting when agents arrive to make arrests. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the FBI also get involved when violence occurs, and federal leaders have promised to prosecute anyone who assaults or interferes with immigration enforcement.
Local Police and Their Complicated Role
Local law enforcement, especially the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), has a tricky relationship with federal immigration agencies. The LAPD officially says it does not take part in civil immigration enforcement. However, city officials and the public pressure the department to protect undocumented residents from federal raids. This tension puts local police in a difficult spot.
To address concerns, the LAPD has new guidelines. Supervisors must now check the legitimacy of anyone claiming to be an ICE agent during reported kidnappings or raids. They also have to record these interactions on body cameras. Still, LAPD officers have no power to stop or interfere with federal operations. There are ongoing debates and new laws in California that aim to make officer identification clearer during immigration enforcement, but it’s not clear how these rules can be enforced against federal agents.
Public opinion in California strongly supports local police arresting federal immigration agents if they go beyond their authority. Many residents want to stop state and local police from helping with immigration enforcement and want to make it easier to sue for violations of due process.
Masked Individuals and Unidentified Actors
Another layer of confusion comes from reports of masked individuals involved in immigration-related kidnappings or raids. It’s often unclear if these people are ICE agents, vigilantes, or members of criminal groups. The LAPD and city officials are working to identify these masked actors, but the lack of clear identification makes it hard to keep the public safe and enforce the law.
California’s Legislative Response
California has passed several laws to limit how much local and state agencies can help with federal immigration enforcement. The goal is to protect immigrant rights and make enforcement more transparent. One important new law is SB 580 (Durazo), which passed in early 2025. This law requires the California Attorney General to publish model policies by July 1, 2026. These policies will guide state and local agencies on how to limit their help with immigration enforcement and restrict access to databases for immigration purposes. Agencies must adopt these policies by January 1, 2027.
Other laws already in place stop immigration officials from entering certain public spaces, like schools, without proper authorization. Despite these sanctuary policies, federal enforcement has only grown stronger under President Trump’s administration.
Federal-State Tensions and Community Response
The increase in federal immigration enforcement in California has led to more raids and arrests, but also to a strong backlash from the public and local leaders. California officials and immigrant advocacy groups say that these federal operations create fear, break up families, and sometimes violate people’s rights to fair treatment under the law.
Some members of Congress, including Representatives Brownley, Espaillat, and Carbajal, have called for more accountability from ICE. They want to make sure that agents have reasonable suspicion before making arrests and that detainees have access to legal help.
The 287(g) Program and Local Cooperation
Some local law enforcement agencies in California take part in ICE’s 287(g) program. This program allows local officers to help enforce immigration laws under federal supervision. There are different ways this program works:
- Task Force Model: Local officers patrol and enforce immigration laws in the community.
- Jail Enforcement Model: Officers question detainees in local jails about their immigration status.
- Warrant Service Officer Model: Local officers serve ICE warrants in jails.
The 287(g) program is controversial and not used by every local agency in California. Many community members and advocacy groups oppose it, saying it leads to racial profiling and breaks trust between immigrants and the police.
Practical Implications for Immigrants
For immigrants living in California, the current situation means more risk of arrest and detention. Federal agents are carrying out more raids, and local police sometimes get involved, especially through the 287(g) program. Even with new state laws meant to protect immigrants, these protections are still being put into place and are not yet complete.
Immigrants are encouraged to seek legal help, especially since fees for immigration benefits have gone up in 2025 and the process has become harder. Many people in immigrant communities feel afraid and do not trust law enforcement, especially with reports of masked actors and aggressive federal operations.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for California?
California is moving toward stronger protections for immigrants at the state and local level. By 2027, new policies to limit help with federal immigration enforcement should be fully in place. However, federal agents are likely to keep up aggressive operations, and there will probably be more legal and political fights over how far these agents can go.
Public and political pressure may lead to more reforms, especially to make sure agents are clearly identified and held accountable for their actions. Lawmakers and advocacy groups are pushing for more transparency and for rules that protect people’s rights during immigration enforcement.
Key Stakeholders and Contacts
- Federal: ICE, CBP, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), FBI (for violent incidents)
- State: California Attorney General (in charge of SB 580 policies), California State Legislature
- Local: LAPD and other city police departments, City Councils, Police Commissions
- Advocacy: California State Council of Service Employees International Union (SEIU California), Bend the Arc: Jewish Action, immigrant rights groups
- Political Representatives: Congress members Brownley, Espaillat, Carbajal
What Can Immigrants and Communities Do?
- Know Your Rights: Immigrants should learn about their rights during encounters with ICE or CBP. For example, they do not have to open the door to agents without a signed warrant from a judge. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) provides helpful resources on this topic at ACLU Know Your Rights.
- Seek Legal Help: It’s important to have a lawyer if facing immigration enforcement. Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal services.
- Stay Informed: Community groups and advocacy organizations often share updates about raids and changes in the law.
- Document Interactions: If approached by someone claiming to be an ICE agent, ask for identification and record the interaction if possible.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The situation in California remains tense and uncertain for immigrants. Federal agencies like ICE and CBP continue to carry out raids, sometimes with help from local police or through programs like 287(g). Masked individuals add to the confusion and fear. California’s new laws aim to protect immigrants, but full implementation will take time.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the ongoing struggle between federal enforcement and state protections means immigrants and their supporters must stay alert and informed. By knowing their rights, seeking legal help, and supporting new policies, communities can work toward greater safety and fairness for everyone.
For the latest official information on ICE operations and immigrant rights, visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website.
Learn Today
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a federal agency enforcing immigration laws and conducting raids.
CBP → U.S. Customs and Border Protection, responsible for border security and immigration enforcement.
287(g) Program → A federal program allowing local law enforcement to enforce immigration laws under ICE supervision.
SB 580 → California law directing limited cooperation of state agencies with federal immigration enforcement effective by 2027.
Sanctuary Policies → State/local laws that restrict cooperation with federal immigration enforcement to protect immigrant rights.
This Article in a Nutshell
Federal raids in California increased sharply in 2025, targeting noncriminal immigrants, causing fear and confusion amid mixed agency roles and masked actors disrupting trust.
— By VisaVerge.com
