Key Takeaways
• ICE conducted raids at LA Home Depots and garment factories, arresting over 100 immigrants in June 2025.
• President Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to LA on June 6, 2025, without governor’s consent.
• Protests erupted in Latino neighborhoods; authorities used tear gas while arresting labor leaders like David Huerta.
Federal Immigration Raids at Home Depot Locations in Los Angeles: Fear, Protests, and the National Guard
Federal immigration enforcement in Los Angeles has reached a new level of intensity. Over the past week, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids have swept through multiple workplaces, including several Home Depot stores and garment factories. These actions have led to more than 100 arrests, widespread protests, and the deployment of the National Guard—all against a backdrop of growing fear and uncertainty for immigrant workers and their families.
What Happened: The Raids and Their Immediate Impact
On June 6, 2025, federal agents carried out major coordinated raids in the LA Fashion District and at a Home Depot in Westlake. At least 44 people were arrested for immigration violations that day alone. Over the following days, additional raids took place at Home Depot locations in Whittier and Huntington Park, as well as at garment warehouses. In total, federal authorities report more than 100 immigrants arrested in the Los Angeles area during the week.
The raids were unannounced. ICE agents, often accompanied by officers from Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI, targeted places where day laborers and immigrant workers gather—especially Home Depot parking lots, which have long served as informal hiring sites for construction and home improvement jobs. Workers were detained on the spot, loaded into vans, and transported to federal detention centers for processing and possible deportation.
Home Depot’s corporate office confirmed they were not notified in advance and had no involvement in the enforcement actions. The company expressed concern about the impact on both their business and the wider community.
The Federal Response: National Guard Deployed
As protests erupted across Los Angeles, President Trump ordered the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to the city on June 6, 2025. This was the first time in decades that the National Guard was activated in California without the governor’s request, using a rarely invoked federal law (10 U.S.C. § 12406). The stated goal was to help control civil unrest and support federal immigration operations.
Governor Gavin Newsom strongly objected, calling the move a “serious breach of state sovereignty.” He and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass urged restraint, blamed the federal escalation for inflaming tensions, and called for peaceful protest.
Protests and Clashes: Community Response
The raids and the National Guard deployment sparked widespread protests, especially in Latino and immigrant neighborhoods. Demonstrations intensified in Paramount, Compton, and downtown LA on June 7 and 8. Law enforcement declared several gatherings unlawful assemblies, used tear gas and pepper spray, and fired less-lethal munitions to disperse crowds.
Several protesters were arrested, including David Huerta, president of SEIU California, who was charged with felony conspiracy to impede an officer. Community leaders and labor organizers described the situation as “repressive” and “terrorizing,” arguing that the raids were designed to intimidate immigrant workers and disrupt labor organizing.
How ICE Raids Work: Step-by-Step
ICE raids at workplaces like Home Depot usually follow a set pattern:
- No advance warning: Raids are unannounced to prevent workers from fleeing.
- Targeted locations: Agents focus on places known for hiring day laborers or employing large numbers of immigrants.
- Rapid detentions: Workers are questioned, and those suspected of being undocumented are detained immediately.
- Transport to detention: Detainees are taken to federal facilities for processing, where they may face deportation proceedings.
- Limited information: Families and employers often receive little or no information about where their loved ones or workers have been taken.
For more details on how ICE conducts workplace enforcement, you can visit the official ICE Worksite Enforcement page.
The Human Toll: Fear and Instability
The impact of these raids goes far beyond those arrested. Day laborers and immigrant workers—many of whom helped rebuild Los Angeles after recent wildfires—are now avoiding public spaces and job sites out of fear. Even workers with legal status are fleeing during raids, worried about being caught up in the chaos or mistakenly detained.
Families are making daily decisions about whether it is safe to go to work, send children to school, or even leave their homes. The sense of fear and instability is spreading through entire neighborhoods.
Businesses like Home Depot are also feeling the effects. With workers and customers deterred by the presence of federal agents and ongoing protests, construction and home improvement projects across LA are being disrupted. The uncertainty is causing financial strain and making it harder for companies to operate normally.
Stakeholder Perspectives: A Deep Divide
The situation in Los Angeles has exposed deep divisions among key stakeholders:
- Federal Officials: Argue that the raids are necessary to enforce immigration law and target undocumented workers. Tom Homan, White House Executive Associate Director of Enforcement and Removal Operations, has defended the actions as “essential for public safety.”
- State and Local Leaders: Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass say the actions are excessive, inflame tensions, and undermine trust in law enforcement. They have called for restraint and criticized the federal government for acting without state consent.
- Labor and Immigrant Advocates: Leaders like Marissa Nuncio of the Garment Worker Center and Angelica Salas of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles argue that the raids are meant to intimidate workers and suppress labor organizing. They describe the actions as “terrorizing” and “repressive.”
- Home Depot (Corporate): The company says it was not notified of the raids, is not involved in enforcement, and is concerned about the impact on its business and the community.
- Community Members: Many express fear, anger, and uncertainty. Some are avoiding public spaces, while others are mobilizing in protest.
Background: Why Home Depot and Day Laborers Are Targeted
For decades, Home Depot parking lots in Los Angeles have served as informal hiring sites for day laborers. Many of these workers are undocumented, but they are vital to the local economy, especially in construction and home improvement. After recent wildfires, these workers played a key role in rebuilding homes and businesses.
While ICE has conducted workplace raids in the past, the scale and coordination of the June 2025 operations mark a significant escalation. The actions are reminiscent of high-profile sweeps in the late 2000s, but with even greater intensity and political controversy.
Legal and Political Tensions: State vs. Federal Authority
The deployment of the National Guard without state consent has raised serious legal and constitutional questions. Experts say it challenges the traditional balance of power between state and federal governments. Governor Newsom has vowed to pursue legal avenues to challenge the deployment and seek greater protections for immigrant communities.
Assemblymember José Luis Solache Jr. and other local officials have publicly opposed the raids, especially in districts with large immigrant populations. They argue that the actions target “hardworking families” rather than violent criminals, fueling anger and mobilization in immigrant communities.
Policy Implications: What’s at Stake
The ongoing federal operations have several practical effects:
- Workforce Disruption: Many construction and home improvement projects are stalled as workers avoid job sites. This affects not only immigrants but also homeowners and businesses relying on these services.
- Community Fear: The raids have created a climate of fear, with families worried about being separated or losing their livelihoods.
- Business Uncertainty: Employers like Home Depot face potential loss of business and difficulty hiring workers.
- Legal Challenges: California officials are expected to challenge the federal deployment of the National Guard and seek court orders to limit federal enforcement actions.
What Happens Next: The Road Ahead
Federal officials have said that enforcement actions will continue in Los Angeles and other major cities. The National Guard deployment is set to last at least 60 days, or until the Secretary of Defense decides otherwise.
Meanwhile, labor and immigrant advocacy groups are ramping up their response. They are organizing rapid response networks, providing legal aid, and holding public demonstrations to resist further raids and support affected families. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these networks are likely to play a key role in helping communities cope with ongoing enforcement.
California officials are preparing legal challenges, arguing that the federal government’s actions violate state rights and disrupt community trust. The outcome of these legal battles could shape the future of immigration enforcement not just in California, but across the United States 🇺🇸.
Resources for Those Affected
If you or someone you know has been affected by ICE raids, several organizations can help:
- California Rapid Response Network: Offers legal and emergency support for those impacted by immigration enforcement.
- Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA): Provides legal aid, advocacy, and community resources.
- Garment Worker Center: Supports garment workers in LA with advocacy and assistance.
- Home Depot Corporate: For official statements or inquiries, visit the Home Depot corporate website.
Official Government Information
For authoritative information on immigration enforcement and your rights, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) official website.
Practical Guidance: What Workers and Families Can Do
- 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 from a judge. You have the right to remain silent and to speak to a lawyer.
- Stay Informed: Follow updates from trusted community organizations and local officials.
- Have a Plan: Families should have a plan in case someone is detained, including emergency contacts and legal resources.
- Seek Legal Help: If you or a loved one is detained, contact a qualified immigration attorney or a local legal aid organization immediately.
Conclusion: A City on Edge
The recent ICE raids at Home Depot locations and other workplaces in Los Angeles have shaken the city. With more than 100 immigrants arrested, the deployment of the National Guard, and ongoing protests, the situation remains tense and uncertain. Workers, families, businesses, and officials are all grappling with the fallout.
As federal operations continue and legal battles loom, the stakes are high for everyone involved. The coming weeks will be critical in determining how Los Angeles—and the nation—responds to the challenges of immigration enforcement, community safety, and the rights of all residents.
For ongoing updates and expert analysis, stay connected with trusted sources and community organizations. The story of these raids is still unfolding, and its impact will be felt for months, if not years, to come.
Learn Today
ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) → U.S. federal agency enforcing immigration laws, conducting raids and deportations of undocumented immigrants.
National Guard → Military force deployed by the federal government or state to support civil authorities during emergencies.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) → Division of ICE responsible for investigating immigration and customs violations related to security threats.
Detention Centers → Facilities where arrested immigrants are held temporarily during processing and possible deportation proceedings.
Felony Conspiracy → A serious criminal charge involving agreement to commit an illegal act, such as impeding law enforcement.
This Article in a Nutshell
In June 2025, federal ICE raids at Home Depot stores and garment factories in Los Angeles led to over 100 arrests, sparking protests and National Guard deployment. This unprecedented enforcement has destabilized immigrant communities, disrupted jobs, and ignited political conflict between federal and state governments amid growing fears and unrest.
— By VisaVerge.com
