ICE Agents Wearing Masks During Immigrant Arrests Spark Political Firestorm

Key Takeaways

• Over 100 immigrants were arrested in Los Angeles by masked ICE agents within one week in June 2025.
• About 300 National Guard troops were deployed on June 8, 2025, to protect federal buildings amid protests.
• ICE now arrests many migrants post-asylum hearings using expedited removal, especially those in the U.S. under two years.

Federal Immigration Raids in Los Angeles Spark Outrage Over Masked ICE Agents and National Guard Deployment

Federal immigration enforcement in the United States 🇺🇸 has entered a new and highly controversial phase. Over the past week, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents wearing masks have carried out a series of high-profile arrests of undocumented immigrants in Los Angeles, California. These actions have triggered widespread protests, a heated political debate, and the deployment of National Guard troops to the city. The situation has raised urgent questions about civil rights, public safety, and the future of immigration enforcement in the country.

What Happened: Masked ICE Agents and Mass Arrests in Los Angeles

In early June 2025, ICE agents began conducting large-scale operations in Los Angeles’ fashion district, Home Depot parking lots, and other public spaces. According to ICE, more than 100 immigrants were arrested in the Los Angeles area in just one week. These arrests were not limited to individuals with criminal records; many of those detained had no prior convictions.

What set these raids apart was the appearance of the ICE agents themselves. Agents wore masks, hats, scarves, and other coverings that hid their faces. ICE leadership, including Acting Director Todd Lyons, explained that this was necessary due to a rise in death threats and online harassment targeting agents and their families. However, the sight of masked federal officers arresting people in public places quickly became a flashpoint for controversy.

Protests, Riots, and the Arrival of the National Guard

The public response in Los Angeles and other California cities was swift and intense. Demonstrations broke out in Los Angeles and San Francisco, with some protests escalating into riots and property damage. Protesters argued that the use of masks by ICE agents made it impossible to hold law enforcement accountable and created an atmosphere of fear in immigrant communities.

In response to the unrest, the White House ordered the deployment of about 300 National Guard troops to Los Angeles on June 8, 2025. The stated purpose was to protect federal buildings and maintain order. However, California officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, condemned the move as a violation of state sovereignty. They argued that the presence of the National Guard would only increase tensions and further destabilize local communities.

New ICE Tactics: Courthouse Arrests and Expedited Removals

ICE has also introduced a new nationwide strategy: arresting undocumented immigrants immediately after their asylum hearings, especially those who have been in the United States 🇺🇸 for less than two years. This approach is designed to speed up deportations and reduce the time migrants spend in the country without legal status.

Under this policy, most migrants who entered the United States 🇺🇸 within the last two years are placed into expedited removal proceedings. This means they can be deported quickly, often without a full hearing before an immigration judge, unless they can show a credible fear of returning to their home country. This process is much faster than traditional immigration court proceedings and has raised concerns among legal experts and immigrant advocates.

Why Are ICE Agents Wearing Masks?

The decision for ICE agents to wear masks during operations is a direct response to what ICE leadership describes as a “hostile environment.” Acting Director Todd Lyons has stated that agents and their families have faced increasing threats, including doxing (the release of personal information online) and harassment. ICE argues that masking is necessary to protect agents’ identities and ensure their safety while carrying out their duties.

However, critics say that masked law enforcement officers undermine transparency and accountability. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and other Democratic lawmakers have called for ICE agents to unmask, arguing that law enforcement should not operate anonymously in a democracy. Some local officials, such as San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria and Representative Derek Tran, have gone so far as to compare ICE’s tactics to “state-sponsored terrorism.”

The Numbers: Arrests, Operations, and National Guard Troops

• Over 100 immigrants arrested in Los Angeles in one week (as of June 9, 2025)
• Approximately 300 National Guard troops deployed to Los Angeles on June 8, 2025
• Nearly 1,500 arrests in the Boston region during a month-long ICE “surge operation” announced June 2, 2025
• More than half of the 1,461 arrested in a recent ICE operation had significant criminal convictions or charges

These numbers show the scale of the current enforcement push and the federal government’s commitment to aggressive immigration action under President Trump.

How ICE Raids and Expedited Removal Work

To help readers understand what happens during these operations, here is a step-by-step look at the process:

1. Target Identification: ICE identifies individuals for arrest, focusing on those with recent unlawful entry or pending removal orders.
2. Operational Planning: Agents coordinate with local and federal partners, sometimes setting up near courthouses or public spaces.
3. Execution: Agents, often masked and wearing tactical gear, conduct arrests. If crowds resist, ICE may use flash-bang grenades or other crowd-control tools.
4. Processing: Detainees are placed into expedited removal if they have been in the United States 🇺🇸 for less than two years, unless they can show a credible fear of returning home.
5. Deportation: If no valid claim is established, deportation is carried out quickly, often without a full hearing before an immigration judge.

For more details on ICE’s official procedures and updates, readers can visit the ICE Newsroom.

Political and Legal Reactions: A Deepening Divide

Federal Government and ICE Leadership

President Trump has strongly supported the aggressive enforcement tactics, including the use of masks and the deployment of the National Guard. On social media, he has called for the arrest of masked protesters, further fueling the debate.

ICE leadership insists that their actions are lawful and necessary for public safety. They point to the rise in threats against agents as justification for the new mask policy and argue that the current surge in enforcement is a direct response to illegal immigration.

California and Local Officials

California officials have taken a very different stance. Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass have condemned both the ICE tactics and the National Guard deployment. They argue that these actions create fear, disrupt communities, and violate the state’s rights.

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria and Representative Derek Tran have also criticized ICE’s approach, warning that it damages trust between law enforcement and the public.

Lawmakers and Civil Rights Groups

Democratic lawmakers, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have demanded that ICE agents stop wearing masks. They argue that transparency and accountability are essential in a democracy and that masked law enforcement officers set a dangerous precedent.

Civil rights groups and immigrant advocates warn that these tactics will lead to increased fear in immigrant communities, discourage people from reporting crimes, and make it harder for local authorities to keep neighborhoods safe.

Community Impact: Fear, Distrust, and Civil Rights Concerns

The aggressive tactics and use of masks by ICE agents have had a deep impact on immigrant communities in Los Angeles and beyond. Many residents now fear that any interaction with law enforcement could lead to arrest or deportation. This fear has led to:

• Decreased trust in law enforcement: Immigrants are less likely to report crimes or cooperate with police, making communities less safe for everyone.
• Reluctance to attend court hearings: The new strategy of arresting people after asylum hearings may discourage migrants from showing up for their court dates, undermining the legal process.
• Concerns about civil rights: Critics argue that masked ICE operations reduce transparency and accountability, drawing comparisons to secret police practices in other countries. There are also worries about violations of the First Amendment during protests and the chilling effect on free speech.

Multiple Perspectives: Stakeholders Respond

This table shows just how divided the country is over the current approach to immigration enforcement.

Historical Background: How Did We Get Here?

The use of masks by ICE agents is not entirely new, but it has become much more common under President Trump’s administration. In the past, agents sometimes wore masks during high-risk operations, but now it is standard practice in many public raids.

The Biden administration had previously limited courthouse arrests and focused on removing individuals with criminal records. President Trump has reversed these policies, expanding enforcement to include non-criminal migrants and public spaces.

California has a long history of resisting federal immigration enforcement. The state has passed laws to limit local cooperation with ICE, and the current situation represents a major clash between state and federal authorities.

What’s Next? Future Outlook and Possible Developments

Looking ahead, the controversy over masked ICE agents and the deployment of the National Guard in Los Angeles is likely to continue. Here are some possible developments:

• Further Escalation: Continued protests and political backlash could lead to more confrontations between federal agents and local communities. California officials may file lawsuits or pass new laws to limit ICE operations.
• Policy Reviews: Congress is expected to hold hearings and investigations into ICE tactics, mask usage, and the impact on civil liberties.
• Political Ramifications: The issue is likely to play a major role in the 2026 midterm elections, especially in states with large immigrant populations.

Practical Guidance for Immigrants and Community Members

If you or someone you know is concerned about ICE raids or has questions about their rights, here are some steps you can take:

• Know Your Rights: Everyone in the United States 🇺🇸 has certain rights, regardless of immigration status. You do not have to open your door to ICE agents unless they have a signed warrant. You have the right to remain silent and to speak to a lawyer.
• Seek Legal Help: If you are facing deportation or have been arrested by ICE, contact a qualified immigration attorney or a local legal aid organization. Groups like the National Day Laborer Organizing Network (ndlon.org) and the American Civil Liberties Union (aclu.org) offer resources and support.
• Stay Informed: Follow updates from official sources such as the ICE Newsroom and local government websites for the latest information on enforcement actions and policy changes.

Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Immigration Policy

The recent actions by ICE agents in Los Angeles, the use of masks, and the deployment of the National Guard have brought the debate over immigration enforcement to a boiling point. Supporters argue that these measures are necessary to protect public safety and enforce the law. Critics warn that they undermine civil rights, create fear in vulnerable communities, and threaten the principles of transparency and accountability.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the situation in Los Angeles is being closely watched across the country. The outcome will likely shape the future of immigration policy in the United States 🇺🇸 for years to come. For now, immigrants, advocates, and officials are bracing for what comes next in this ongoing and deeply personal national debate.

Learn Today

ICE → Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the U.S. federal agency enforcing immigration laws and deportations.
National Guard → State military force deployed to support civil authorities during emergencies or unrest.
Expedited Removal → A fast-track deportation process for migrants without full immigration hearings, limiting their legal defenses.
Doxing → Publishing private personal information online to intimidate or harass individuals.
Asylum Hearing → A legal proceeding where migrants request protection due to persecution risks in their home countries.

This Article in a Nutshell

Masked ICE agents in Los Angeles arrested over 100 immigrants in June 2025, sparking protests and National Guard deployment, raising concerns over civil rights and transparent law enforcement.
— By VisaVerge.com