#ICESucks agents use #PepperSpray and #SmokeGrenades to disperse LA #protesters
Rights group says at least 45 people arrested as people demonstrate against coordinated raids throughout the city
by Gabrielle Canon
Fri 6 Jun 2025
"The Department of Homeland Security conducted raids on multiple locations across Los Angeles on Friday, clashing with the crowds of people who gathered to protest.
"Masked agents were recorded pulling several people out of two LA-area Home Depot stores and the clothing manufacturer Ambient Apparel’s headquarters in LA’s Fashion District. Immigration advocates said the raids also included four other locations, including a doughnut shop.
"There has not yet been confirmation of how many people were taken into custody during the coordinated sweeps.
"At an afternoon press conference, #AngelicaSalas, executive director for the Coalition of Humane #ImmigrantRights, said at least 45 people were arrested without warrants.
" 'Our community is under attack and is being terrorized. These are workers, these are fathers, these are mothers, and this has to stop. Immigration enforcement that is terrorizing our families throughout this country and picking up our people that we love must stop now,' Salas told the crowd.
"The protest only grew as the afternoon wore on. By 6pm local time, hundreds of people assembled around the federal building in downtown Los Angeles, where those taken into custody during the raids are being held.
"Earlier in the day, armed agents clad in heavy protective and tactical gear, including some who wore gas masks, could be seen on video and through aerial footage pushing individuals and trying to corral large groups that congregated to challenge the raids.
"Smoke grenades were reportedly thrown near the crowds and pepper spray was used as the federal officers attempted to clear the area. As the demonstrations continued into the evening, videos showed officers firing less-lethal weapons toward protestors.
"Some people in the crowd attempted to block large #ArmoredTrucks carrying FBI agents as they departed. One person reportedly threw eggs at the vehicles.
"The Los Angeles fire department was called to the scene to administer aid to protesters injured by agents and officers, which included the president of the California branch of the Service Employees International Union (#SEIU), #DavidHuerta. The organization said in statement he was detained and called for his immediate release.
" 'We call for an end to the cruel, destructive, and indiscriminate #ICERaids that are tearing apart our communities, disrupting our economy, and hurting all working people,” Tia Orr, executive director of SEIU California said.
" 'Immigrant workers are essential to our society: feeding our nation, caring for our elders, cleaning our workplaces, and building our homes.' "