Councilmember stands against Home Depot due to ICE raids at its stores.

Los Angeles City Council Takes a Stand Against Home Depot

Members of the Los Angeles City Council expressed their anger towards Home Depot on Friday, accusing the chain of being “complicit” in the treatment of illegal immigrants. They declared their intention to fight against the establishment of a new store in their area.

Council member Isabel Jurado made her feelings clear with a post, stating, “I’ll take the orange apron elsewhere. Home Depot doesn’t have a place in Eagle Rock.”

Home Depot is planning to construct a new superstore in Eagle Rock, which would involve demolishing the old Macy’s department store at Eagle Rock Plaza. Documents submitted to the LA City Planning Department outline this project.

Tragically, a man was killed on the highway while attempting to evade immigration agents amid an incident at Home Depot. Jurado accused Home Depot of being an “enabler” of Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE), alleging that the company has stayed silent while ICE has conducted operations at their locations. She noted a recent raid at the Westlake Home Depot, which marked the fourth such incident in that area since June.

Jurado highlighted a troubling pattern of ICE targeting Home Depot parking lots under judicial warrants within Los Angeles. A video published by a local news source captured footage of the recent raid, showing a black van pulling up near street vendors outside Home Depot. Many of these vendors fled as federal agents emerged from the van in tactical gear, with reports indicating that at least 15 arrests were made during the raid.

The Westlake Home Depot had previously been involved in a significant operation that resulted in numerous illegal arrests, furthering community concerns.

In response to community unrest, President Trump deployed a considerable number of troops to Los Angeles in June after a major revolt against ICE. Over 4,000 National Guard members and around 700 Marines were sent to restore order amid widespread chaos.

“If your name is associated with fear and you refuse to speak, it makes you complicit,” Jurado remarked, indicating that Home Depot’s inaction speaks volumes.

Home Depot countered by stating they had not been informed of any ICE activities occurring at their sites. They insisted they often learn about arrests only after they happen and that they comply with all federal and local laws in every market where they operate.

As a former tenant rights lawyer representing Los Angeles’s District 14, Jurado committed to opposing the new Home Depot. She fears it could lead to increased violence in her community.

She articulated her objections, saying, “I am clearly opposed to Home Depot coming to Eagle Rock Plaza, a gathering place for Filipino communities in Los Angeles. Our community is not worth fighting for the safety, dignity, and not against them.”