Home Depot Faces Backlash Over Immigration Raids in Los Angeles

Los Angeles City Council members expressed their anger towards Home Depot on Friday, claiming the hardware chain is complicit in illegal immigration issues and committed to opposing a new store opening.

“I’ll take my business elsewhere. Home Depot doesn’t belong in Eagle Rock,” expressed Councillor Isabel Jurado on Instagram.

The company plans to establish a new superstore in Eagle Rock, utilizing the site of a former Macy’s department store, as detailed in documents sent to the LA City Planning Department.

Jurado accused Home Depot of “conspiring” with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) by not denouncing their actions. She highlighted an ICE raid at a Home Depot in Westlake, L.A. that took place on Thursday, marking the fourth such raid there since June.

“These raids are part of a concerning trend in Los Angeles, with ICE targeting Home Depot parking lots without warrants, and the company remaining silent, which violates people’s rights,” she stated.

Surveillance footage reportedly shows the events of Thursday, depicting a van that arrived at a street vendor near Home Depot, where many vendors fled as federal agents emerged, dressed in tactical gear.

Agents pursued fleeing individuals and appeared to use tear gas. It was reported that at least 15 arrests were made during the incident.

The Westlake location was also involved in what was called Operation Trojan Horse, where federal agents nabbed several undocumented immigrants on August 6th.

This incident occurred shortly after a federal appeals court supported a restraining order on indiscriminate immigration enforcement operations in L.A. and other regions in California.

In June, President Trump sent nearly 5,000 troops to Los Angeles following a significant anti-ICE protest.

Over 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines were deployed to manage the unrest, which included vehicle fires and mass protests.

“If your name is linked with fear and you choose not to speak out, you become an accomplice. Home Depot has chosen power and profit over the well-being of their workers,” Jurado asserted.

Home Depot responded, stating they had not been informed about any ICE activities occurring at their stores.

“We have not been alerted about ICE operations. Often, we learn of arrests only after they have taken place. We adhere to all local and federal laws and regulations in every market,” the company clarified.

Jurado, who previously worked as a tenant rights lawyer and represents District 14 in Los Angeles, is the child of an undocumented Filipino immigrant. She is resolutely against the new Home Depot, arguing it would bring violence to her community.

“I completely oppose Home Depot’s establishment at Eagle Rock Plaza, a vital gathering space for the Filipino community here. We will not tolerate violence in our neighborhoods.”

Jurado has yet to respond to a request for comment.

The Department of Homeland Security mentioned that a targeted operation on August 28th near 1675 Wilshire Blvd led to eight arrests, with some individuals having criminal records including overstaying visas and drug possession.

“Under the administration’s direction, those who break the law will face consequences,” they added.