A Day Outside LA Detention Center Reveals ICE Raids’ Family Impact

Key Takeaways

• From June 6–22, 2025, ICE arrested 1,618 immigrants in Los Angeles, mostly without criminal convictions.
• Raids triggered protests, deploying National Guard, U.S. Marines, leading to 787 protest-related arrests.
• Deportation flights doubled; majority detained are men mainly from Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador.

The recent wave of ICE raids in Los Angeles has left a deep mark on immigrant families, local communities, and the city’s sense of safety. Since early June 2025, these operations have grown in size and intensity, changing daily life for thousands of people. The following report brings together the most important facts, stories, and reactions to help readers understand what’s happening, why it matters, and what it means for the future.

Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How

Since June 6, 2025, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has carried out a series of aggressive raids across Los Angeles and Southern California. These actions target immigrants in public spaces like parking lots, courthouses, day laborer corners, and businesses such as Home Depot and car washes. The raids are part of a larger federal push under President Trump to increase deportations, not just of recent arrivals but also of people who have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for many years.

Key Numbers and Immediate Impact

• 1,618 immigrants arrested in Los Angeles from June 6 to June 22, 2025—an average of over 90 arrests per day.
• 69% of those arrested had no criminal conviction and 58% had never been charged with a crime.
• The majority detained were men, with 48% from Mexico 🇲🇽, 16% from Guatemala 🇬🇹, and 8% from El Salvador 🇸🇻. Others came from countries like India, Iran, China, and Laos.
• Deportation flights from the area more than doubled in June, with most flights leaving from Victorville and heading to cities like Phoenix, El Paso, and international destinations such as Guatemala City and San Pedro Sula.

Scenes Outside Detention Centers: Families in Limbo

Every day, families gather outside the federal immigration building in downtown Los Angeles, desperate for news about loved ones taken in the ICE raids. Many wait for hours, sometimes all day, only to leave with no answers about where their family members are being held or if they are safe.

Conditions Inside Detention

Reports from detainees describe dire conditions:
– Lack of access to clean water, with some forced to drink from toilets.
– “Dungeon-like” holding areas with little light or ventilation.
– No access to legal counsel for many, especially in the first hours or days after arrest.

Attorney visits start early each morning, with lawyers and families waiting at a basement door known as “B-18.” Even then, many are turned away without updates or the chance to see their clients.

Community Response: Protests and Fear

The ICE raids have sparked weeks of protests across Los Angeles. Tensions peaked around the Fourth of July, when hundreds marched downtown demanding an end to the raids. These demonstrations led to clashes with law enforcement, including federal agents, U.S. Marines, and National Guard troops sent by the Trump administration.

• 787 protest-related arrests occurred in June and July, mostly for assault, obstruction, or unlawful assembly.
• Federal authorities declared several protests unlawful assemblies, using riot gear and less-lethal munitions to break up crowds.

The raids have created a climate of fear. Many immigrants and even U.S. citizens of color now avoid public spaces, worried about being stopped or questioned. Street vendors, families, and community leaders say the city feels “under siege,” with daily routines disrupted and trust in public institutions shaken.

Policy and Political Context: Why Are the Raids Happening?

The Trump administration has made a sharp shift in immigration enforcement. In May 2025, ICE made 23,564 arrests nationwide, nearly three times the number from May 2024. This is part of a broader strategy to target undocumented immigrants who have been in the United States 🇺🇸 for years, not just those who recently crossed the border.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has spoken out against the deployment of federal troops and the rise in ICE raids. However, federal authorities have continued their operations, citing the need to restore law and order.

Legal Challenges and Lawsuits

On July 2, 2025, immigrant rights groups filed a federal lawsuit. They claim that masked, unidentified agents are targeting “brown-skinned people,” arresting them without probable cause, and denying them access to lawyers. Legal experts warn that these actions may violate due process and could lead to wrongful deportations.

How the Raids Affect Families and the Community

The impact of the ICE raids on families in Los Angeles is immediate and severe:

• Family Separation: Many families are split apart, often with no information about where detained relatives are being held or what will happen to them next.
• Legal Uncertainty: Immigration lawyers report a surge in clients receiving notices to appear in court, sometimes for cases that were previously closed. This suggests an effort to speed up deportations.
• Community Withdrawal: Many undocumented immigrants have stopped going to work, school, or public events. This withdrawal affects local businesses, schools, and social networks, weakening the fabric of the community.

What Happens After an Arrest?

Once someone is arrested in an ICE raid, they are taken to the ICE center in downtown Los Angeles. There, their identity and fingerprints are checked. After processing, they may be sent to a detention facility or put on a deportation flight. Families and lawyers must wait outside, often for hours, with no guarantee of information or a chance to visit.

Deportation Flights: A Growing Trend

Deportation flights from the Los Angeles area have more than doubled since the raids began. Most flights leave from the Southern California Logistics Airport in Victorville. Some go to other U.S. cities like Phoenix and El Paso, while others head directly to countries such as Guatemala 🇬🇹 and Honduras 🇭🇳.

Stakeholder Perspectives: What Different Groups Are Saying

• Immigrant Advocates: They argue that the ICE raids are sweeping up people indiscriminately, traumatizing families, and making communities less safe. They also say the raids undermine trust in police and other public services.
• Federal Officials: They defend the raids as necessary for public safety, claiming they target people with criminal records. However, the data shows that most people arrested have no convictions.
• Legal Experts: They warn that speeding up court cases and denying access to lawyers could lead to mistakes and wrongful deportations.

Protests and Political Debate: The City Reacts

The raids have become a major point of debate in Los Angeles and across the country. Protests continue, with large marches and public outcry. Some local officials and community leaders are calling for policy changes and more support for affected families.

Legal Aid and Community Support

Several organizations are stepping up to help those affected by the ICE raids:

• The ACLU of Southern California and the National Immigration Law Center are providing legal support and information.
• Local immigrant rights groups are organizing mutual aid, offering food, shelter, and emotional support to families in crisis.
• For those seeking information about detained relatives, the ICE Los Angeles Field Office can be contacted directly. Official information about ICE detention and removal operations is available on the ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations page.

Summary Table: Key Data and Developments (June–July 2025)

Real-Life Example: A Family’s Story

Maria, a mother of three, waited outside the downtown LA detention center for two days after her husband was picked up in an ICE raid at his workplace. She received no information about his location or condition. Her children, ages 5, 8, and 12, have not returned to school out of fear. Maria’s story is just one of many, showing how these raids disrupt families and leave children without parents or support.

Legal Process and Rights

When someone is detained by ICE, they should receive a Notice to Appear in immigration court. This document explains why they are being held and what will happen next. However, many families report not receiving this notice or getting it too late to find a lawyer. For more information on the Notice to Appear, visit the USCIS official page for Form I-862.

What Can Families Do?

• Contact the ICE Los Angeles Field Office for information about detained relatives.
• Seek legal help from organizations like the ACLU or the National Immigration Law Center.
• Stay informed about rights during encounters with ICE. Many groups offer “Know Your Rights” workshops and materials.
• Connect with community support networks for food, shelter, and emotional support.

Future Outlook: What’s Next?

As of July 5, 2025, ICE raids and deportations in Los Angeles show no signs of stopping. The outcome of the federal lawsuit and possible court orders could change how future raids are carried out. Political debate continues, with ongoing protests and calls for new policies to protect immigrant families.

Practical Takeaways for Immigrants and Families

• Know your rights: Everyone, regardless of immigration status, has certain rights when dealing with ICE or law enforcement.
• Have a family plan: Make sure children and other family members know what to do if someone is detained.
• Keep important documents safe: Store copies of identification, legal papers, and emergency contacts in a secure place.
• Reach out for help: Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal advice and support.

Conclusion

The ICE raids in Los Angeles have brought fear, confusion, and hardship to thousands of immigrants and their families. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the majority of those arrested have no criminal record, raising questions about the fairness and focus of these operations. Community groups, legal experts, and local leaders continue to push for change, while families struggle to stay together and find answers. The situation remains uncertain, but resources and support are available for those affected.

For official information about ICE operations, visit the ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations page. Families seeking legal help or support should contact trusted organizations and stay connected to community networks. The coming weeks will be critical in shaping the future for immigrants in Los Angeles and beyond.

Learn Today

ICE → U.S. agency enforcing immigration laws, responsible for identifying and arresting undocumented immigrants.
Raids → Coordinated law enforcement operations targeting suspected undocumented immigrants for arrest or detention.
Deportation flight → A flight transporting detained immigrants back to their home countries or other destinations.
Notice to Appear → A legal document requiring an immigrant to appear in immigration court for proceedings.
National Guard → Military reserve force deployed domestically to assist with law enforcement and emergencies.

This Article in a Nutshell

ICE raids in Los Angeles since June 2025 disrupted thousands of lives. Arrests targeted immigrants lacking criminal records. Families face painful separation amid protests and harsh detention conditions. Legal challenges arise as community leaders demand justice. Deportations surged, sparking fear. Resources are available for affected immigrants, but uncertainty remains about future enforcement.
— By VisaVerge.com