How California Immigration Raids Impact the State’s Labor Market

Key Takeaways

• In June 2025, ICE arrested 118 people in Los Angeles during large immigration raids targeting workplaces and public spaces.
• Military forces, including National Guard and 700 Marines, were deployed to LA amid protests and local official opposition.
• Immigration raids caused job losses for both immigrants and U.S.-born workers and threaten California’s $1 trillion immigrant-driven economy.

Immigration enforcement actions in California, especially the recent immigration raids in Los Angeles, have sparked widespread debate and concern. These events have not only affected immigrant communities but have also sent shockwaves through the broader labor market and economy. This analysis examines the scope and purpose of these enforcement operations, the methods used to gather and interpret data, the key findings about their impact, and the broader trends and implications for California’s workforce and economic future.

Purpose and Scope

The primary goal of this analysis is to provide a clear, evidence-based understanding of how recent immigration raids in California, particularly those in June 2025, have influenced the state’s labor market and economy. The focus is on:

• The scale and nature of the immigration raids
• The federal and local government responses
• The reactions from the community and advocacy groups
• The direct and indirect effects on California’s labor market and economic output
• The policy context and future outlook for immigration enforcement in the state

By examining these areas, this analysis aims to inform policymakers, employers, workers, and the general public about the real-world consequences of immigration enforcement actions.

Methodology

This analysis draws on a range of official reports, news articles, government statements, and research studies. Key sources include:

• Official statements and data from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
• Reports from the Los Angeles Times and other reputable news outlets
• Economic and labor market research from the California Budget Center
• Statements from local and state officials, as well as advocacy organizations like Amnesty International USA

Where possible, data is presented with visual descriptions to help readers understand trends and patterns. All statistics and claims are attributed to their original sources, and official government links are provided for further reference.

Key Findings

Scale and Nature of Recent Immigration Raids

In June 2025, ICE conducted a series of large-scale immigration raids across Southern California, with a particular focus on Los Angeles. The operations included:

• Four federal search warrants executed at three locations in central Los Angeles on June 6, 2025
• 44 administrative arrests and one arrest for obstruction on that day alone
• A total of 118 arrests in Los Angeles reported by ICE as of June 7, 2025

These raids targeted a range of locations, including:

• Home Depot stores in the Westlake District of Los Angeles, Huntington Park, and Santa Ana
• Businesses in Fountain Valley
• Public spaces such as a courthouse and library in Whittier
• Downtown and South Los Angeles

Tom Homan, known as the “border czar,” stated that ICE would maintain a strong presence in Los Angeles, with “more than 100 teams working in L.A.” and a commitment to ongoing enforcement for the next four years.

Federal Military Response and Local Opposition

In response to protests against the immigration raids, the Trump administration deployed military forces to Los Angeles:

• National Guard troops were sent to the city
• 700 active-duty U.S. Marines were expected to stand guard on June 10, 2025

This military deployment was met with strong opposition from local officials:

• Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell described the deployment as a “significant logistical and operational challenge”
• Mayor Karen Bass questioned the need for military involvement, stating, “We didn’t need the National Guard, why on earth? What are they [Marines] going to do?”
• State Superintendent Tony Thurmond issued a statement criticizing the “Unnecessary Military Deployment and Mass Immigration Raids in Los Angeles”

Community Response and Protests

The immigration raids triggered widespread protests across Southern California:

• Demonstrations centered around the Federal Building in downtown Los Angeles, where detainees were reportedly held
• Protests erupted in Paramount and other cities following federal law enforcement actions
• Some protests led to clashes with law enforcement, including:
  • Buildings vandalized
  • Waymo vehicles set on fire
  • Protesters injured by munitions
  • Use of tear gas, pepper balls, and rubber bullets by police in Santa Ana

Amnesty International USA condemned the military deployment, calling it “deeply alarming” and a sign that the Trump administration is willing to use military force to suppress dissent.

Economic and Labor Market Impact

The economic consequences of these immigration raids are significant, given the vital role immigrants play in California’s labor market:

• Undocumented immigrants contribute $8.5 billion in taxes to California’s public services
• Immigrants in California generate over $1 trillion in economic output
• Nearly 900,000 immigrants in California are entrepreneurs, producing $28.4 billion in business income
• About 2 out of 5 entrepreneurs in California are immigrants, compared to just under one-quarter nationwide

Research shows that immigration enforcement actions have negative effects on the broader labor market:

• For every 13 foreign-born workers who leave the labor force due to deportations or fear of raids, 10 U.S.-born workers lose their jobs
• Undocumented workers fill essential roles in construction, agriculture, and caregiving—jobs that are hard to fill with U.S.-born workers
• When immigrant caregivers are unavailable, U.S.-born workers may leave their jobs to care for family members
• A decline in immigrant construction workers reduces the need for construction managers, who are more likely to be U.S. citizens
• Reduced economic activity from immigrants as workers and consumers leads to lower business revenue

Policy Context and Legislative Response

California has taken steps to protect immigrants and limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement:

• The state has “sanctuary city” policies that restrict how local police can work with ICE
• Lawmakers are pushing new bills to protect immigrants in semi-public spaces, such as homeless shelters
• Tom Homan cited these sanctuary policies as a reason for continued ICE operations in Los Angeles

Expert Perspectives

Experts and advocacy groups have raised concerns about the impact of immigration raids:

• Amnesty International USA argues that the raids are rooted in discrimination and violate human rights
• The California Budget Center warns that federal deportation policies threaten the state’s economic stability, workforce, and access to essential services
• Studies show that undocumented immigrants, especially those from Mexico, have driven entrepreneurship among Latinx immigrants in California over the past 20 years

Data Presentation and Visual Descriptions

To help readers understand the scope and impact of these events, the following visual descriptions summarize key data:

Bar Chart: Economic Contributions of Immigrants in California
– The tallest bar represents over $1 trillion in economic output generated by immigrants
– A shorter bar shows $8.5 billion in taxes paid by undocumented immigrants
– Another bar highlights $28.4 billion in business income from nearly 900,000 immigrant entrepreneurs

Pie Chart: Share of Entrepreneurs
– A large slice (about 40%) represents immigrant entrepreneurs in California
– A smaller slice (about 25%) represents the national average for immigrant entrepreneurs

Flow Diagram: Labor Market Effects of Deportations
– The first box shows 13 foreign-born workers leaving the labor force
– An arrow leads to the next box, showing 10 U.S.-born workers losing their jobs as a result
– Additional arrows point to boxes showing reduced business revenue and fewer construction manager jobs

Comparisons, Trends, and Patterns

Several important trends and patterns emerge from the data:

• California’s labor market is more dependent on immigrant workers than the national average, especially in sectors like construction, agriculture, and caregiving
• Immigrant entrepreneurship is a major driver of economic growth in California, with a higher share of immigrant business owners than in other states
• Immigration raids and enforcement actions have ripple effects beyond the targeted individuals, affecting U.S.-born workers, business owners, and the broader economy
• Military involvement in immigration enforcement is rare and controversial, leading to increased tension between federal and local authorities

Evidence-Based Conclusions

Based on the available evidence, several conclusions can be drawn:

1. Immigration raids in California have immediate and far-reaching effects on the labor market and economy. The removal or fear-driven withdrawal of immigrant workers leads to job losses for U.S.-born workers, reduced business activity, and lower tax revenue.

2. The deployment of military forces in response to protests is highly unusual and has escalated tensions between federal and local authorities. Local officials have questioned the necessity and effectiveness of this approach.

3. Community protests and advocacy group responses highlight deep concerns about human rights and the social impact of immigration enforcement. These concerns are echoed by organizations like Amnesty International USA.

4. California’s policy environment is shaped by efforts to protect immigrants and limit cooperation with federal enforcement, but these policies have also drawn criticism and increased federal attention.

5. The long-term outlook remains uncertain, with ongoing enforcement actions likely to continue affecting the state’s workforce, economy, and social fabric.

Limitations

While this analysis draws on the best available data and sources, there are some limitations:

• Real-time data on the full economic impact of the June 2025 raids is not yet available. Many effects may only become clear in the coming months.
• Some information about the specific locations and individuals affected by the raids is limited due to privacy and security concerns.
• The situation is evolving, with ongoing protests, policy changes, and potential shifts in federal enforcement strategy.

Practical Guidance and Next Steps

For employers, workers, and community members affected by these events, several steps can help manage the uncertainty:

• Stay informed about your rights and responsibilities. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides up-to-date information on immigration laws and forms, such as Form I-9, which employers use to verify work eligibility.
• Employers should review their hiring and employment practices to ensure compliance with state and federal laws, especially regarding verification of work authorization.
• Workers and families should seek legal advice from qualified immigration attorneys or trusted community organizations if they are concerned about their status or risk of enforcement action.
• Community groups and advocates can continue to monitor developments and provide support to those affected by raids and enforcement actions.

For more detailed analysis and updates on immigration enforcement and labor market trends, VisaVerge.com reports that ongoing monitoring of both federal and state policy changes is essential for anyone affected by or interested in these issues.

Official Government Resources

For authoritative information on immigration enforcement, labor rights, and related topics, readers can visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration Enforcement Actions page.

Summary

Immigration raids in California, especially those in Los Angeles, have set off a chain reaction affecting not only immigrant communities but also the entire labor market and economy. The deployment of military forces, strong local opposition, and widespread protests have added to the complexity of the situation. Evidence shows that these enforcement actions have negative effects on both immigrant and U.S.-born workers, reduce business activity, and threaten California’s economic stability. As the situation continues to evolve, staying informed and prepared is crucial for all stakeholders.

Learn Today

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) → Federal agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws and conducting raids on undocumented immigrants.
National Guard → State-based military force deployed to assist in emergencies, including civil unrest during immigration enforcement actions.
Sanctuary city → A city limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement to protect undocumented immigrants from deportation.
Entrepreneur → An immigrant or individual who starts and manages a business, contributing to economic growth.
Deportation → The official removal of a non-citizen from a country for violating immigration laws.

This Article in a Nutshell

Recent immigration raids in California, especially in Los Angeles, reveal economic and social disruption. Military deployment met protests while immigrant labor’s essential role highlights the raids’ broad impacts, risking jobs, businesses, and community stability in a state highly dependent on immigrant workers and entrepreneurs.
— By VisaVerge.com