Federal agents arrested 37 individuals during a series of raids at three Home Depot locations in Los Angeles County on June 30, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The operation, conducted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), targeted stores on Figueroa Street, North Hollywood, and Sunset Boulevard.
A DHS spokesperson confirmed the arrests, stating that 14 individuals were detained near Figueroa Street, 11 in North Hollywood, and 12 on Sunset Boulevard. Those arrested included individuals with criminal histories involving drug trafficking, firearm offenses, theft, forgery, DUIs, and battery.
The raids have sparked community backlash, with some local leaders and activists expressing outrage over the targeting of day laborers. Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez criticized the operations, emphasizing that those detained were primarily individuals seeking work. He stated, “These are day laborers…people that come here every single day to try to find work” as reported by NBC Los Angeles.
The Home Depot locations have previously been the subject of similar raids, leading to protests and calls for the company to oppose such actions. Home Depot stated that they are not informed of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities in advance and must comply with federal and local regulations.
The DHS spokesperson affirmed that the agency continues to enforce the law across Los Angeles and the nation. The recent raids have heightened tensions and discussions about immigration enforcement and community relations in the area.
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