Protests Target Home Depot Over ICE Allegations
Protesters in Southern California made headlines this past Saturday as they staged a unique demonstration against ICE. They filled a hardware store in Monrovia, buying cheap ice scrapers—just 17 cents each—only to return them immediately. This act, referred to as a “buy-in,” involved nearly 100 activists who, instead of keeping the items, aimed to disrupt the store’s operations.
Some protesters displayed signs featuring the Interior Department’s logo that demanded, “ICE out of hardware stores,” along with slogans like “No secret police.” There are reports of videos capturing these moments shared online, sparking more conversations about the implications of ICE’s actions in community spaces.
This protest arose in response to claims that a hardware chain was allowing Immigration and Customs Enforcement to conduct raids in its parking lots—areas that have long served as a gathering point for day laborers, many of whom are undocumented.
Home Depot has publicly denied any collusion with federal agents. In a statement, corporate communications manager George Lane emphasized, “We do not work with ICE or the Border Patrol,” stating they were often unaware of any enforcement actions until they had concluded.
The discussions surrounding this event have included tragic incidents as well. For example, a comment on a video regarding the protests highlighted the death of Carlos Roberto Montoya Valdez, who was reportedly chased by ICE agents and hit by a vehicle while fleeing. An earlier statement from Homeland Security declared that agents were not pursuing him at that time.
During the protest, activists also set up an altar featuring 24 white crosses that represented individuals who lost their lives in association with immigration enforcement or while in custody this year. The overall sentiment echoed through social media comments, with one noting they would choose to shop elsewhere to avoid Home Depot.
Erika Andiola, who serves as the political director for the National Day Labor Organization Network, indicated that the intention of the protest was clear: to remove ICE from these commercial spaces altogether.
With recent immigration raids becoming a focal issue, voices of dissent are growing louder. Various political figures, such as City Council member Isabel Jurado, have criticized the escalation of ICE’s activities, especially as they relate to places where day laborers frequently gather.
Additionally, both Home Depot and Lowe’s are facing scrutiny for their use of AI surveillance systems, which civil rights advocates warn could potentially be accessed by ICE.
