On June 30, federal authorities arrested 37 individuals in a series of raids at three Home Depot locations in Los Angeles County, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The operation, conducted byย US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), targeted stores on Figueroa Street, North Hollywood, and Sunset Boulevard.
A spokesperson for the DHS confirmed the arrests, stating that they apprehended 14 individuals on Figueroa Street, 11 in North Hollywood, and 12 on Sunset Boulevard. Individuals arrested had criminal histories involving drug trafficking, firearm violations, theft, forgeries, DUIs, and battery.
The raids have sparked community backlash, with some local leaders and activists condemning the targeting of day laborers. Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez denounced the activities, highlighting that those detained were largely job seekers. According to NBC Los Angeles, he remarked, “These are day laborers…people who come here every day to look for work.”
Similar raids have already targeted Home Depot facilities, resulting in protests and calls for the corporation to resist such tactics. Home Depot indicated that they are not aware of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in advance and must follow federal and local regulations.
The DHS official confirmed that the agency continues to enforce the law in Los Angeles and around the country. The latest searches have heightened tensions and conversations regarding immigration enforcement and community relations in the region.
