Key Takeaways
• ICE arrested over 1,600 people in Southern California since June 6, 2025, targeting many without criminal records.
• National Guard deployed with 2,000 troops and 700 Marines amid protests and civil unrest in Los Angeles.
• Local officials oppose raids; legal battles and community protests continue amid economic and family impacts.
Since early June 2025, Los Angeles has become the center of a sweeping federal immigration crackdown, with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids leading to the arrest of more than 1,600 people across Southern California. The raids, which began on June 6, have sparked mass protests, drawn in the National Guard, and left immigrant communities in fear and uncertainty. As the city faces this crisis, residents, local leaders, and advocacy groups are stepping up to support those affected and push back against what many see as an overreach of federal power.
ICE Raids Hit Los Angeles: What’s Happening and Why
Who: ICE agents, backed by federal officers and, now, National Guard troops
What: Large-scale immigration raids, arrests, and detentions
When: Ongoing since June 6, 2025
Where: Los Angeles and surrounding areas, with a focus on neighborhoods with large immigrant populations
Why: The Trump administration’s renewed push for aggressive interior immigration enforcement
How: Workplace raids, sweeps in public spaces, and targeted operations in homes and neighborhoods
The raids are part of a nationwide surge in immigration enforcement under President Trump’s second term. According to ICE, the agency has set daily arrest targets at 3,000 nationwide—much higher than previous years. In May 2025 alone, ICE made 23,564 arrests across the United States 🇺🇸, nearly three times the number from May 2024.
In Los Angeles, the impact has been especially severe. In just the first ten days of June, ICE arrested 722 people in the city. Of those detained since June 6, 57% had no criminal history, while 30% were convicted criminals and 11.6% had pending charges. The majority are men, with nearly half coming from Mexico 🇲🇽, followed by Guatemala 🇬🇹 and El Salvador 🇸🇻.
Federal and Military Response: National Guard Deployed
As protests erupted in response to the raids, President Trump ordered the federalization of 2,000 National Guard troops and sent 700 Marines to Los Angeles. The Pentagon activated Joint Task Force 51, and federal officers in riot gear were seen throughout downtown and near federal buildings. President Trump has said he is ready to expand the military presence if unrest spreads, and has threatened federal charges against state and city officials who oppose federal actions.
This move has been met with strong opposition from California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. Governor Newsom has filed a lawsuit against the federal government, calling the military response “premature” and “authoritarian.” Mayor Bass condemned the raids as “terrorizing” to immigrant communities and reaffirmed that local police and sheriff’s departments will not cooperate with ICE on civil immigration enforcement.
Protests and Civil Unrest: Community Pushback
The ICE raids have triggered mass protests across Los Angeles. Since June 6, thousands have taken to the streets, demanding an end to the raids and the military presence. Some demonstrations have escalated into clashes with law enforcement, resulting in over 575 arrests, injuries to both protesters and officers, and curfews in parts of the city.
Community leaders and advocacy groups have played a key role in organizing these protests and providing support to those affected. David Huerta, president of SEIU California, was injured and arrested while documenting a raid. The Consul General of Mexico in Los Angeles, Carlos González Gutiérrez, is offering legal support to detained Mexican nationals.
Local Government and Policy Shifts
Los Angeles and California have long had sanctuary policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. In response to the current crisis, the city of Glendale ended its contract with ICE to hold detainees as of June 9. California lawmakers have also reintroduced AB 322, a bill that would restrict companies from selling precise location data to ICE without a court order.
Local police and sheriff’s departments have reiterated that they are not assisting ICE in civil immigration enforcement. This stance has put them at odds with federal authorities but has been welcomed by immigrant communities and advocacy groups.
The Human Impact: Fear, Family Separation, and Economic Pain
The effects of the ICE raids go far beyond the numbers. In neighborhoods with large immigrant populations, fear has become widespread. Many small businesses, street vendors, and markets have closed or seen sharp drops in customers. Latino-owned businesses report steep declines in revenue, and the downtown produce market is full of unsold, rotting food because people are too afraid to shop.
Essential services, including domestic violence shelters, have seen fewer clients as people fear exposure to ICE. Schools and colleges have put safety protocols in place for graduations and other events, successfully preventing ICE raids at these gatherings.
Perhaps the most painful impact is the separation of families. Many detainees are being transferred out of state, making it hard for families to find or communicate with loved ones. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this practice not only disrupts family life but also makes it much harder for people to access legal help and support.
Who Is Being Targeted?
ICE says its focus is on people with criminal records, but the data tells a more complicated story. Of the more than 1,600 people arrested in Southern California since June 6:
- 57% had no criminal history
- 30% were convicted criminals
- 11.6% had pending charges
- 82% were men
- Top countries of origin: Mexico 🇲🇽 (48%), Guatemala 🇬🇹 (15.5%), El Salvador 🇸🇻 (8%)
This means that the majority of those arrested are not accused of any crime beyond their immigration status. Civil rights advocates argue that the raids are sweeping up long-term residents, parents, and workers who have deep ties to the community.
Step-by-Step Guidance for Those at Risk
For people living in Los Angeles who may be affected by ICE raids, knowing your rights and what to do if approached by ICE is critical. Here are some practical steps:
If ICE Approaches You:
– Stay calm. Do not run.
– You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer questions about your immigration status.
– Do not open the door unless ICE presents a judicial warrant signed by a judge. Administrative warrants (ICE Form I-200 or I-205) do not give them the right to enter your home. You can see examples of these forms on the ICE official website.
– Ask for identification and the reason for the visit.
If You Are Detained:
– Ask to speak with an attorney.
– Do not sign any documents without legal advice.
– Contact your consulate for help (for example, the Mexican Consulate in Los Angeles).
Community Resources:
– CHIRLA (Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights): Offers legal aid and a hotline for ICE activity: (888) 624-4752
– Centro CSO: Organizes protests and community support
– Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California: Legal and advocacy support for Asian and Pacific Islander communities
– Mexican Consulate in Los Angeles: (213) 351-6800
Economic and Social Effects
The raids have had a chilling effect on the local economy. Latino-owned businesses, in particular, have seen sharp drops in revenue and foot traffic. The downtown produce market is full of unsold goods, and many street vendors have stopped working out of fear.
Essential services, such as domestic violence shelters, report fewer clients. Many people are afraid to leave their homes, even for urgent needs. This fear is also affecting children, with some parents keeping their kids home from school.
Legal and Legislative Battles
California and advocacy groups are fighting back in court and in the legislature. Governor Newsom has sued the federal government over the deployment of the National Guard, arguing that the state can handle the situation without military intervention. Lawmakers have reintroduced AB 322, a bill that would make it harder for ICE to use location data from private companies to track people without a court order.
Legal experts say the raids raise serious questions about due process and the rights of immigrants. Many of those arrested have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for years, have families, and contribute to their communities. Critics argue that the raids undermine trust in law enforcement and make it harder for immigrants to report crimes or seek help.
Multiple Perspectives: Federal, State, and Local Views
Federal Government:
President Trump and ICE officials say the raids are necessary to enforce federal law and protect national security. ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons has stated, “No protestors are going to block our way,” and emphasized the agency’s commitment to carrying out its mission.
State and Local Officials:
Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass have condemned the raids and the military response. They argue that these actions are harmful to communities and overstep federal authority. Local police and sheriff’s departments have made it clear they are not cooperating with ICE on civil immigration enforcement.
Immigrant Communities:
People living in affected neighborhoods report fear, economic hardship, and family separation. Many have joined protests or turned to mutual aid networks for support.
Law Enforcement:
The Los Angeles Police Department and Sheriff’s Department say they are not assisting ICE with civil immigration enforcement, in line with California’s sanctuary policies.
Advocacy Groups:
Organizations like CHIRLA, Centro CSO, and Asian Americans Advancing Justice are providing legal, financial, and emotional support to those affected. They are also documenting abuses and organizing protests.
Background: How Did We Get Here?
The current crisis is the result of years of tension between federal immigration authorities and local governments in California. Since President Trump returned to office, his administration has made aggressive immigration enforcement a top priority. ICE arrest numbers have surged, with a shift in focus from border apprehensions to targeting long-term undocumented residents in cities like Los Angeles.
California and Los Angeles have longstanding sanctuary policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. These policies have led to frequent clashes with federal authorities, especially during times of increased enforcement.
The situation escalated sharply in June 2025, when ICE began coordinated raids across Los Angeles, followed by mass protests and the deployment of the National Guard and Marines.
What’s Next? The Road Ahead
The Trump administration and ICE have made it clear that they do not plan to scale back enforcement. Daily arrest targets remain high, and officials have said that further deployments are possible if protests continue.
Legal and legislative battles are likely to continue. Lawsuits by California and advocacy groups may challenge the legality of the federal actions, while bills like AB 322 could limit ICE’s ability to use surveillance technology in the future.
Community mobilization is also expected to persist. Mutual aid networks, legal defense funds, and protest movements are growing, with calls for national solidarity and further demonstrations in other cities.
Official Resources and Where to Get Help
If you or someone you know is affected by the ICE raids in Los Angeles, there are resources available:
- CHIRLA Hotline: (888) 624-4752
- Mexican Consulate in Los Angeles: (213) 351-6800
- Centro CSO: Community support and protest organization
- Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California: Legal and advocacy support
For official information on your rights during encounters with ICE, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) “Know Your Rights” page.
Conclusion: Resilience in the Face of Crisis
The ongoing ICE raids in Los Angeles represent one of the most significant escalations in federal immigration enforcement in recent history. The impact is being felt in homes, businesses, and schools across the city. While the situation remains tense, with continued protests, legal challenges, and a standoff between federal and local authorities, Angelenos are responding with resilience, mutual aid, and organized resistance.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the crisis has brought out both the best and the worst in Los Angeles. While fear and hardship are real, so too is the solidarity and support shown by neighbors, advocacy groups, and local leaders. The coming weeks will be critical in shaping the future of immigration policy and community life in Los Angeles and beyond.
Learn Today
ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) → A federal agency enforcing immigration laws and conducting deportations and arrests.
National Guard → State-based military force deployed to assist civil authorities during emergencies or unrest.
Sanctuary Policy → Local laws limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement to protect immigrant communities.
Judicial Warrant → A court-issued document authorizing law enforcement to enter a property legally.
Pending Charges → Criminal accusations currently unresolved in court against an individual.
This Article in a Nutshell
Since June 6, 2025, ICE raids in Los Angeles caused over 1,600 arrests, sparking protests, National Guard deployment, and community resistance against federal enforcement.
— By VisaVerge.com
