Los Angeles Immigration Sweeps
Los Angeles, California – A convoy consisting of customs officials, border security, and the California State Guard headed to MacArthur Park to conduct immigration raids in the area.
The collaboration between the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense aligned with other enforcement operations happening in Los Angeles County on Monday. This came amidst calls from Democratic leaders to halt such actions, while local sentiments increasingly leaned towards frustration.
As the convoy arrived, bystanders began to vocalize their discontent. Agents exited their vehicles and formed a barrier, prompting a gathering of individuals expressing anger over the operation. Notably, street vendors were absent, likely due to previous high-profile operations and anti-DHS protests. Although no arrests happened during this particular sweep, it served to underscore the federal government’s capacity to mobilize significant resources in urban settings. Meanwhile, other operations elsewhere on the same day did result in arrests of undocumented immigrants.
Related: Protests against ICE Agents in Los Angeles
Mayor Karen Bass also showed up at the scene, seeking to communicate with the operation’s lead. She was handed a phone to speak with El Centro Sector Chief Patrol Agent Gregory Bovino for a brief discussion. Bass inquired about the planned duration of the operation, but Bovino responded that they would remain until their mission was fulfilled.
A portion of protesters accused Bass of collaborating with the Trump administration by permitting police to control crowds during riots and protests, which inflamed their anger towards her, mirroring the sentiment directed at federal agents. As Bass departed, attention shifted back to the agents, and at least one federal vehicle tire was slashed before the convoy left.
Bovino stated, “I’m not working with Karen Bass. Get used to us; this will become the norm. We’ll be around, and we won’t stop until our mission is complete.”
Reportedly, threats against agents are increasing, with rising tensions as some Democrats criticize DHS assets. Meanwhile, in McAllen, Texas, attacks on Border Patrol agents have also been reported, alongside an incident where four individuals were arrested for attempting to disable Border Patrol vehicles with improvised spikes.
