The Unified Latin American Citizens’ Federation (LULAC) is asking Home Depot to limit the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials in their stores amid a crackdown on illegal immigration by the Trump administration.
In a statement released Tuesday, LULAC’s national president, Roman Palomales, reached out to Home Depot CEO Ted Decker, urging him to implement a national policy that would deny access to ICE and other federal agencies without a valid court warrant and prior notice.
“Day laborers and families shouldn’t have to fear being hunted down in parking lots while looking for honest work,” Palomales emphasized in the statement.
He pointed out that major corporations benefit from the labor of communities facing increased deportation efforts.
“Given its size and influence, the company can’t claim to be neutral; it has both the authority and responsibility to take action,” Palomales argued. “Turning a blind eye to ICE activities on its premises is complicity.”
Earlier this month, the Los Angeles Times reported on an incident involving a day laborer and a Penske truck driver at Home Depot, who claimed he was looking for workers.
Dozens of individuals were arrested when multiple border patrol agents emerged from the truck.
“This week, Border Patrol executed a targeted operation known as Trojan Horses at Home Depot in Los Angeles, leading to the detainment of 16 undocumented immigrants from Guatemala, Mexico, Honduras, and Nicaragua,” the statement said. “Federal law enforcement will continue to utilize all available resources to apprehend undocumented individuals and ensure public safety.”
The Hill reached out to ICE for a response.
Home Depot spokesperson Sarah McDonald stated that the company isn’t informed in advance about ICE activities, often learning about them only after arrests have taken place. “We must adhere to all federal and local laws in every market where we operate,” she added.
