Feds preparing ‘large scale’ immigration raid in LA by end of month: report

Federal agents are reportedly planning a large-scale operation targeting undocumented immigrants in the Los Angeles area before the end of the month. According to a report published in the Los Angeles Times, the raid will be led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), but its sheer size has prompted the agency to seek assistance from other federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). A federal law enforcement source revealed that ICE “needed more bodies” to carry out the operation effectively. This suggests that the scope of the raid is unprecedented, requiring additional manpower from other agencies to ensure its success.

The primary focus of the operation, according to an internal government document leaked to the Los Angeles Times, will be to apprehend undocumented immigrants and individuals who have pending removal orders. This aligns with the broader immigration enforcement efforts that have escalated since President Trump took office in 2017. Sweeping raids have already been conducted in cities across the country, including New York City, but Los Angeles has not yet been a major target of such operations. This makes the upcoming raid particularly significant, as it represents a shift in focus to one of the nation’s largest and most diverse cities.

However, the timing and specifics of the operation are not set in stone. The federal source emphasized that plans could change due to the unpredictable nature of the Trump administration, which has been marked by sudden shifts in policy and priorities. Additionally, there may be resistance from some agents who are reluctant to participate in such large-scale enforcement actions. “Just because certain information is being given doesn’t mean it’s the administration’s plan, because they know some agents are going to be resistant,” the official explained. This highlights the internal challenges that federal agencies may face when carrying out controversial operations.

ICE’s Los Angeles field office has been actively engaged in immigration enforcement in recent months, and the agency has regularly shared updates on its operations via the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). These updates have included details about the arrest of a person wanted for murder, an alleged member of the Tren de Aragua gang, and a Mexican national convicted of lewd acts with a child under the age of 14. These examples are likely intended to demonstrate the agency’s commitment to targeting individuals who pose a public safety risk. However, the upcoming raid is expected to cast a much wider net, potentially affecting many individuals who are not accused of serious crimes.

While the FBI and DEA are expected to play supportive roles in the operation, their involvement is not without controversy. Laura Eimiller, a spokeswoman for the FBI, declined to comment on the specifics of the upcoming raid but confirmed that the agency has been assisting ICE in immigration enforcement actions since late January. “We’re primarily a supportive role for these operations,” she said. Similarly, Matthew Allen, the head of the DEA’s Los Angeles office, stated that his agency would provide support when requested. “When asked to support immigration enforcement actions, we will review the capabilities and shift resources as necessary to provide support,” Allen explained. This suggests that while ICE will lead the operation, other federal agencies will contribute resources and personnel as needed.

The news of the impending raid has sparked concern among immigrant communities in Los Angeles, which is home to one of the largest populations of undocumented immigrants in the United States. Advocacy groups and community leaders have expressed fears about the potential impact of the operation, particularly on families and individuals who have lived in the country for years without incident. Many are urging residents to remain vigilant and to know their rights, such as the right to remain silent and to request an attorney. The raid also raises questions about the broader implications of such large-scale enforcement actions, including their effectiveness in addressing the complex issue of illegal immigration and the potential consequences for community trust in law enforcement.

In conclusion, the planned immigration raid in Los Angeles represents a significant escalation in federal immigration enforcement efforts under the Trump administration. While the operation is intended to target undocumented immigrants and those with removal orders, its scope and timing remain uncertain due to potential resistance from agents and the unpredictable nature of the administration. The involvement of multiple federal agencies highlights the resources being dedicated to this effort, but it also raises concerns about the impact on immigrant communities and the broader implications for immigration policy in the United States. As the operation approaches, residents and advocacy groups are bracing for the potential consequences, while federal agencies prepare to carry out what may be one of the largest immigration raids in recent memory.