L.A. Immigration Raids: Federal Arrest Totals Increase

WASHINGTON – Arrests continue to mount in the aggressive federal operation that began more than a month ago to track down and detain undocumented immigrants in Los Angeles, according to Homeland Security figures released Tuesday.

“DHS and its components’ immigration enforcement operations are ongoing in Los Angeles,” a Homeland Security official said in a statement provided to The Times. “Since operations began in June, ICE and CBP have arrested 2,792 illegal aliens in the L.A. area.”

Federal authorities said earlier that 1,618 undocumented immigrants had been detained between June 6 – the start of the DHS operation in Los Angeles – and June 22. the new total includes nearly 1,200 arrests in just over two weeks as then. President Trump deployed the National guard and U.S. Marines in the city days after the operation began amid heated protests.

The latest figures were released a day after dozens of immigration agents and National guard members swept through MacArthur Parkjust west of downtown, forcing children from a summer camp to be rushed inside.

Gov. Gavin Newsom called it a “disgrace” and the action drew widespread condemnation from local officials. They have repeatedly criticized the federal operations for terrorizing immigrant communities, where business has slowed and many have holed up in their homes.

“The actions from the federal government over the last month do not represent the values of our city or of our country,” said City Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, who represents the area. “Sending United States soldiers to intimidate children at camp and señoras at the bus stop is not making anyone safer. Raiding Home Depots is not stopping crime. Tearing families away from their children isn’t upholding family values. And let me be clear, this cruelty and the chaos that we see is the point.”

The president’s immigration crackdown in Los Angeles has been a test case for the Trump governance as it presses the bounds of executive authority, deploying federal agents and the military to a major metropolitan city with leadership hostile to its cause of deporting mass numbers of immigrants.

The detentions have proved a challenge to local and state officials, who have been dealt setbacks in federal court over the ability of the White House to conduct enforcement operations at the local level.

The U.S.9th Circuit Court of Appeals has also ruled that Trump can maintain control of the California National Guardfor now, after he took the extraordinary step of federalizing the guard and deploying them to Los Angeles.

What is the percentage increase in immigration-related arrests in Los Angeles between Q2 2024 and Q2 2025?

Recent Surge in ICE Enforcement in Los Angeles

Over the past quarter, Los Angeles has witnessed a significant escalation in federal immigration enforcement activities, leading to a marked increase in arrests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Data released this week indicates a 35% rise in immigration-related arrests compared to the same period last year. This surge is impacting families and communities across Southern California, raising concerns among advocacy groups and legal professionals. The focus appears to be on individuals with prior criminal convictions, but reports suggest an increasing number of non-criminal immigrants are also being detained.

Breakdown of Arrest Statistics (Q2 2025)

Total Arrests: 872 (compared to 646 in Q2 2024)

Individuals with Criminal Convictions: 518 (representing 59% of total arrests) – including convictions for DUI, drug offenses, and assault.

Individuals with No Criminal Convictions: 354 (representing 41% of total arrests) – primarily individuals with outstanding deportation orders or those encountered during workplace raids.

Countries of Origin (Top 5): Mexico (62%), Guatemala (15%), El Salvador (8%), Honduras (7%), and Peru (5%).

Types of Enforcement Actions:

1. Workplace Raids: 12 documented raids targeting construction, landscaping, and food service industries.

2. home Raids: Increased frequency, ofen occurring early morning hours.

3. Traffic Stops: collaboration with local law enforcement leading to immigration checks.

4. Court Arrests: ICE agents present at local court proceedings to apprehend individuals.

factors Contributing to the Increase

Several factors are believed to be driving the heightened enforcement activity. A key element is the recent policy shift announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in May 2025, prioritizing the deportation of all undocumented immigrants, nonetheless of criminal history. This represents a departure from previous enforcement guidelines that focused primarily on individuals deemed a threat to public safety.

Furthermore,increased funding allocated to ICE in the 2025 fiscal year has enabled the agency to expand its operations and personnel in the Los Angeles area. The current administration’s rhetoric surrounding border security and illegal immigration is also believed to be influencing enforcement priorities.

Impact on Los Angeles Communities

The increased raids are creating a climate of fear within immigrant communities. Schools are reporting higher rates of absenteeism as children stay home fearing their parents may be targeted. Local organizations providing legal assistance are overwhelmed with requests for help.

economic Impact: Businesses reliant on immigrant labor are facing workforce shortages.

Social Impact: Families are being separated, and communities are experiencing increased stress and anxiety.

Legal Challenges: several civil rights organizations have filed lawsuits challenging the legality of the new DHS policy and the tactics used by ICE agents.

understanding Your Rights During an Immigration Encounter

It’s crucial for individuals to understand their rights when interacting with ICE agents. Here’s a speedy guide:

1. Remain Silent: You have the right to remain silent. Do not answer questions without an attorney present.
2. Right to Counsel: You have the right to an attorney.Request one instantly.
3. Do Not Sign Anything: Do not sign any documents without first consulting with an attorney.
4. Demand a Warrant: If ICE agents do not have a warrant,ask to see one. though, do not physically resist.
5. Document Everything: If possible, document the encounter – date, time, location, and the names and badge numbers of the agents involved.

Resources for Immigrant Support in Los Angeles

Several organizations offer legal assistance, advocacy, and support services to immigrants in the Los Angeles area:

coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA): https://www.chirla.org/

Immigrant Legal Resource center (ILRC): https://www.ilrc.org/

National Immigration Law Center (NILC): https://www.nilc.org/

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Southern California: https://www.aclusocal.org/

* Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA): https://www.lafla.org/

Case Study: The Ramirez Family

The Ramirez family, long-time residents of East Los Angeles, experienced the impact of the recent raids firsthand. Mr. Ramirez, a construction worker with no criminal record, was detained during a workplace raid in June. Despite having lived in the U.S. for over 20 years and having U.S. citizen children, he is currently facing deportation proceedings. His case highlights the broader impact of the new enforcement policies on families who have established roots in the community. CHIRLA is currently providing legal portrayal to the Ramirez family.

Navigating the Changing Immigration Landscape

The current situation demands vigilance and