Surge in ICE Raids and Deportations Sparks Protests Across Los Angeles

Key Takeaways

• Since June 6, 2025, ICE deportation flights from L.A. area airports more than doubled, with 330+ arrests.
• DHS ended 2023 protected area limits, enabling ICE raids in schools, workplaces, and religious sites.
• Community protests, legal aid efforts, and missing-person campaigns respond to fear and disruptions caused.

Federal Immigration Raids in Los Angeles: Deportation Flights, Mass Raids, and Community Impact

Federal immigration enforcement in Los Angeles has reached a level not seen in years. In June 2025, the city became the center of a dramatic surge in ICE Deportation Flights, mass raids, and public protests. These actions have affected thousands of people, from immigrants and their families to business owners and local officials. This report explains what is happening, why it matters, and what it means for those living and working in Los Angeles.

What’s Happening: Surge in ICE Deportation Flights and Mass Raids

In the weeks leading up to June 22, 2025, the number of deportation-related flights out of Los Angeles area airports more than doubled. Since June 6, nearly 70% of these flights have left from Southern California Logistics Airport in Victorville, with others departing from Burbank and Bakersfield. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this sharp rise in ICE Deportation Flights is directly linked to a series of mass raids and arrests across the region.

On June 6, ICE agents carried out a major operation in the Fashion District, one of several high-profile raids in Los Angeles. By June 11, at least 330 people had been arrested in the area. Many were flown out of the region within hours, often without their families knowing where they were being taken. These actions have sparked fear, confusion, and anger throughout the community.

How the Raids Unfold: Step-by-Step Process

Understanding how these raids happen helps explain why so many people have suddenly disappeared from their homes, workplaces, and neighborhoods. Here’s a simple breakdown of what takes place during an ICE raid:

1. Target Identification: ICE identifies individuals or workplaces for enforcement. They often focus on people suspected of using false documents or those with prior deportation orders.
2. Coordination: ICE works with local law enforcement and ICE Air Operations to plan for possible transfers or deportations.
3. Execution: Agents—sometimes masked and heavily armed—carry out raids at homes, workplaces, or public spaces. Arrests can happen without warning.
4. Detention: Those arrested are taken to local processing centers, such as the Adelanto ICE Processing Center, or directly to airports for transfer.
5. Transfer/Deportation: People may be flown to other U.S. cities or directly to their countries of origin, often without their families being told.
6. Legal Proceedings: Some detainees may get legal help or support from their country’s consulate, but advocates say many are deported without a hearing or due process.

This process has led to a wave of disappearances, with families and friends left searching for loved ones who have suddenly vanished.

Where Are People Going? Destinations and Numbers

From January to May 2025, ICE made 685 deportation stops to more than 30 international destinations. In June, the number of flights from Los Angeles area airports more than doubled. About 25% of these flights went to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, 20% to El Paso, and others to Central America, the Caribbean, and U.S. territories.

Key facts:
– 330+ people arrested in Los Angeles area since June 6, 2025
– 685 deportation flights from January to May 2025
– Flight destinations: Phoenix, El Paso, Central America, Caribbean, and more

ICE officials have confirmed the increased activity but have refused to share details about future flights, citing security concerns.

Policy Changes: Why Is This Happening Now?

The surge in ICE Deportation Flights and mass raids is the result of a major policy shift in early 2025. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) ended the 2023 policy that had limited ICE enforcement in “protected areas” like schools, hospitals, and religious sites. Now, ICE officers have broad authority to make arrests in these places and near courthouses, with less oversight and fewer requirements for prior approval.

The Trump administration, with officials like Tom Homan and Stephen Miller, has made workplace raids a top priority. They have targeted locations with large immigrant workforces, such as the garment district and Home Depot stores. This approach is meant to increase deportation numbers and send a strong message to immigrant communities.

In addition, an extra 2,000 National Guard members were sent to the Los Angeles area in June, joining 3,000 National Guard and U.S. Marines already present. This military presence has added to the sense of fear and tension in the city.

Community Response: Protests, “Missing” Posters, and Legal Aid

The federal crackdown has sparked a strong response from the community. Protests have broken out across Los Angeles, with hundreds of people rallying in places like Pico Rivera and Arcadia Park. On June 6, the LAPD declared an unlawful assembly after confrontations between protesters and federal agents.

Activists have covered the city with posters showing photos of people who disappeared after ICE actions, calling them “Abducted by ICE.” These posters are a way to draw attention to the families left behind and the lack of information about where detainees are being held.

Community and advocacy groups, such as CHIRLA (Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights), Asian Americans Advancing Justice, and local interfaith organizations, have set up legal aid hotlines and organized public demonstrations. They are working to help families find missing loved ones and provide legal support to those facing deportation.

For help locating a detained person, use the ICE Detainee Locator System.

Voices from the Ground: Stakeholders Speak Out

The raids and deportations have drawn strong reactions from a wide range of people:

• Angelica Salas (CHIRLA): She called the raids “attacks on the community” and said they have caused widespread fear and disruption.
• Carlos González Gutiérrez (Consul General of Mexico): He confirmed that at least 11 Mexican nationals were detained and said the consulate is offering legal support and monitoring detention conditions.
• David Huerta (SEIU California President): He was detained and injured during a raid and has called for collective resistance to what he describes as injustice.
• Tom Homan (White House Border Czar): He announced plans for even more workplace enforcement, saying these actions are needed for law enforcement and public safety.
• U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli: He warned local officials in Santa Ana not to alert the public to ICE raids, threatening possible prosecution.

These statements show the deep divide between federal officials, who say the raids are necessary, and local leaders and advocates, who see them as harmful and unjust.

Impact on Immigrant Communities: Fear, Disruption, and Disappearances

The expanded scope of ICE enforcement has led to widespread fear among immigrants in Los Angeles. Many people are avoiding public spaces, schools, and workplaces because they are afraid of being arrested. Street vendors and small businesses in affected areas report big drops in customers and income.

The rollback of protected area policies means immigrants now risk arrest when seeking medical care, attending court, or even dropping their children off at school. Families and advocates say it is harder than ever to find out where detained people are being held. Some are transferred out of state or deported without notice or a chance to speak to a lawyer.

Key impacts:
– Increased fear and anxiety in immigrant neighborhoods
– Economic hardship for small businesses and street vendors
– Reduced access to essential services like healthcare and education
– Disappearances and lack of information about detained individuals

Legal and Human Rights Concerns

Legal experts warn that the new 2025 policy increases the risk of wrongful detentions and violations of due process. Some people have been deported without a hearing or a chance to see a lawyer. There are also reports of U.S. citizens being detained by mistake during raids.

Advocacy groups argue that these actions undermine public trust and violate basic human rights. They say the aggressive tactics and lack of transparency have created a climate of fear that will have long-term effects on community health and stability.

Historical Context: How Did We Get Here?

To understand the current crisis, it helps to look at how immigration enforcement has changed over the past decade:

• 2017–2020: The Trump administration increased ICE enforcement, focusing on workplace raids and arrests in public spaces.
• 2021–2023: The Biden administration put limits on ICE actions in protected areas, focusing on humanitarian concerns.
• 2025: The Trump administration returned to power and ended these restrictions, giving ICE broader authority and less oversight.

This back-and-forth has left many immigrants uncertain about their rights and what to expect from law enforcement.

What’s Next: Future Outlook and Community Action

Federal officials have made it clear that raids and deportations will continue, especially in cities led by Democrats. Local governments and advocacy groups are looking for ways to challenge these actions in court and protect residents, but federal officials have threatened prosecution for those who try to warn the public about upcoming raids.

Community mobilization is expected to grow, with more protests, legal aid efforts, and public awareness campaigns like the “Missing” posters. The coming weeks will likely see continued enforcement, legal battles, and strong resistance from those affected.

Practical Guidance: What to Do If You or Someone You Know Is Affected

If you or someone you know is detained by ICE, here are some steps you can take:

• Locate a detainee: Use the ICE Detainee Locator System to find out where someone is being held.
• Seek legal help: Contact CHIRLA’s hotline at (888) 624-4752 or Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California at (888) 349-9695.
• Consular support: Mexican nationals can call the Consulate of Mexico in Los Angeles at (213) 351-6800 for assistance.
• Know your rights: Everyone has the right to remain silent and to ask for a lawyer. Do not sign any documents without legal advice.

Summary Table: Key Facts (June 2025)

Official Resources

• ICE Detainee Locator: ICE Detainee Locator System
• CHIRLA Hotline: (888) 624-4752
• Consulate of Mexico in Los Angeles: (213) 351-6800
• Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California: (888) 349-9695

Conclusion: A City in Crisis

The situation in Los Angeles is a clear example of how changes in immigration policy can have immediate and far-reaching effects. The surge in ICE Deportation Flights, mass raids, and the rollback of protected area protections have created a climate of fear and uncertainty. Families are being separated, businesses are suffering, and entire communities are on edge.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the lack of transparency and the speed of these actions have left many people searching for answers and support. While federal officials say these measures are needed for public safety, local leaders and advocates argue that they are causing harm and violating basic rights.

In the weeks ahead, Los Angeles will likely see more enforcement, more protests, and more legal challenges. For those affected, knowing your rights and where to find help is more important than ever. For the city as a whole, the challenge will be finding a way forward that protects both security and the dignity of all its residents.

For more information on your rights and official updates, visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website.

Learn Today

ICE Deportation Flights → Flights organized by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to deport individuals from the U.S.
Protected Areas → Locations like schools and hospitals where ICE previously had limited enforcement authority.
Mass Raids → Coordinated large-scale operations by ICE to arrest multiple individuals simultaneously.
DHS → Department of Homeland Security, the federal agency overseeing immigration enforcement policies.
ICE Detainee Locator → An online system to help locate individuals detained by ICE during enforcement operations.

This Article in a Nutshell

In June 2025, Los Angeles saw a surge in ICE deportation flights and raids amid policy shifts. Over 330 arrests sparked fear, protests, and legal aid campaigns. The removal of ‘protected area’ limits expanded ICE authority, affecting immigrant families, businesses, and services citywide with lasting social and economic impacts.
— By VisaVerge.com