Federal agents crack down on protesters during SoCal immigration enforcement raid

Federal agents on Friday conducted two major raids in Southern California, including one raid that featured flash-bang grenades to disperse an angry crowd in Los Angeles.

The raids were part of the Trump administration's crackdown on illegal immigration, with the raids taking place at locations known to be popular with undocumented migrants. 

The first raid took place at a clothing wholesaler in the Fashion District of downtown Los Angeles. The second raid saw federal agents descend on a Home Depot where illegal migrants who are looking for day labor go to find work.

Agents from the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Investigations office, the FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were involved with the raid at the clothing store, according to the New York Times.

The agents were equipped with tactical gear and military-style rifles, the outlet reported. They also arrived in two armored trucks and other unmarked vehicles. 

It is not clear how many people were arrested or detained, but approximately 20 to 30 employees were in the store. It is also not clear whether any arrests were made in the riot, or if there were any injuries.

FBI Los Angeles spokeswoman Laura Eimiller told the New York Times that the bureau was there to offer support for DHS.

“As we have been asked to do, we are sending agents to participate in these immigration enforcement efforts,” Eimiller said. “That includes assisting in cities where major operations are already underway and where we have special agents embedded on operational teams with DHS.”

The operations were met with heavy backlash among city officials, who are predominantly Democrats.

“As Mayor of a proud city of immigrants, who contribute to our city in so many ways, I am deeply angered by what has taken place,” LA Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement. “My Office is in close coordination with immigrant rights community organizations. We will not stand for this.”

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.