Homeland Security sets record straight on several 'fake' news report about LA operations

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Monday clarified several misleading social media posts and news headlines about Los Angeles operations conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers.

The reports stem from a series of raids and removal operations in recent weeks that prioritize removing illegal migrants who have also committed other serious crimes. The operations have led to nationwide protests and rioting within Los Angeles.

The first report, published by the Los Angeles Times, claimed that racial profiling fears have risen recently because of CBP operations. 

“DHS targets have nothing to do with an individual's skin color," Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement. "What makes someone a target is if they are in the United States illegally. These types of disgusting smears are designed to demonize and villainize our brave ICE law enforcement. 

"This kind of garbage has led to a more than 400 percent increase in the assaults on ICE officers," she continued. "Politicians and activists must turn the temperature down and tone down their rhetoric."

McLaughlin also clarified a post on social media that alleged a U.S. citizen was pushed against a fence and his REAL ID was confiscated by CBP, which hinted that he was suspected of being an illegal migrant. However, he was arrested because he allegedly assaulted a CBP officer.

She also rejected claims that DHS is targeting illegal migrants in emergency rooms and homeless shelters, and targeting nannies at parks. 

"These are the type of lies being spread to demonize our brave ICE law enforcement who risk their lives to remove criminal illegal aliens including suspected terrorists, gang members, murderers, and rapists from American communities," she said. "The facts are that ICE, and our federal partners, are targeting the worst of the worst.”

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