On the second day of ICE raids, activists continue protests

On the second day of immigration raids in Los Angeles County, the Trump administration announced he was deploying the National Guard.

A crowd gathered at the Home Depot at 6400 Alondra Blvd. on Saturday morning after learning about additional immigration raids.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has a nearby office in Paramount which was used as a staging area. 

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) had established a large presence Saturday afternoon at the intersection of Alondra and Atlantic boulevards in Compton, where a car had been set afire before city firefighters put it out. 

LASD confirmed that it responded about 11 a.m. to the Home Depot for traffic control and “general public safety'' in response to federal activity there.

FOX News reported, “CBP and Border Patrol have been brought in to provide security and extra bodies, and a handful of agitators have already been arrested today for allegedly interfering with federal agents.''

Many in the crowd turned over shopping carts and other objects that were left in the street, while federal authorities in riot gear stood by. The street filled with smoke from tear gas canisters, and at least one protester could be seen on the ground bleeding in news footage, though the nature of the apparent injury wasn't clear.

The Los Angeles Times reported that one protester set fire to a United States flag.

At one point, demonstrators threw objects at a U.S. Marshals Service bus and attempted to stop the bus from moving. A few armed federal agents exited the bus and cleared the protesters and the bus continued.

Employing tear gas, the authorities later moved most of the demonstrators away from the area in front of the Home Depot, scattering them in different directions. They closed the Alondra Boulevard off-ramps from the 710 Freeway, and California Highway Patrol vehicles were blocking the on-ramps to prevent protesters from walking onto the freeway.

“ICE has brought their terror tactics and masked agents to #Paramount this morning -- in my district,'' Rep. Nanette Barragán, D-San Pedro, wrote on X. ``This is unacceptable. We will demand answers and accountability. For those out there - please stay safe, protest peacefully, and KNOW YOUR RIGHTS.''

A Blackhawk helicopter landed  in the middle of the day on a Paramount street to unload what appeared to be large amounts of weapons and ammunition. Video from ABC7 showed the resupply effort near a DHS office at 6321 Alondra Blvd. around 5:45 p.m. 

Early Saturday evening, the White House issued a statement:

“In recent days, violent mobs have attacked ICE Officers and Federal Law Enforcement Agents carrying out basic deportation operations in Los Angeles, California. These operations are essential to halting and reversing the invasion of illegal criminals into the United States. In the wake of this violence, California's feckless Democrat leaders have completely abdicated their responsibility to protect their citizens. 

That is why President Trump has signed a Presidential Memorandum deploying 2,000 National Guardsmen to address the lawlessness that has been allowed to fester. The Trump Administration has a zero-tolerance policy for criminal behavior and violence, especially when that violence is aimed at law enforcement officers trying to do their jobs. 

These criminals will be arrested and swiftly brought to justice. The Commander-in-Chief will ensure the laws of the United States are executed fully and completely.”

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement rioters have been assaulting ICE enforcement officers, slashing tires, defacing buildings and taxpayer funded property.

“800 protestors have surrounded and breached the first layer of a federal law enforcement building in LA. Mayor Bass must call on this violence to end. The violent rhetoric of politicians has gone too far. This violence against ICE must end,” said McLaughlin.

Supporting the immigrant community 

That afternoon, after learning of the action, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a statement, saying, “We are in close coordination with the city and county, and there is currently no unmet need. The Guard has been admirably serving L.A. throughout recovery,” he said. “This is the wrong mission and will erode public trust.''

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement that while the city is recovering from an unprecedented natural disaster, many in the community are feeling fear following the federal immigration enforcement actions across Los Angeles County. 

“Reports of unrest outside the city, including in Paramount, are deeply concerning. We've been in direct contact with officials in Washington, D.C., and are working closely with law enforcement to find the best path forward,” she said. “Everyone has the right to peacefully protest, but let me be clear: Violence and destruction are unacceptable, and those responsible will be held accountable.''

LAPD said in a statement that demonstrations across the city of Los Angeles remained peaceful, and commended all those who exercised their First Amendment rights responsibly. 

“While today's events concluded without incident, the Los Angeles Police Department remains fully prepared to respond swiftly and appropriately to any potential acts of civil unrest. Our commitment to safeguarding the rights, safety and well-being of all Angelenos continues -- day and night. 

L.A. County Chair Pro Tem and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis said during this difficult time, it is essential to remain calm and focused. 

“Do not resort to violence. Our strength is in our unity and our commitment to justice through nonviolent action,” she said in a statement. “I am closely monitoring the situation. If you or a loved one needs support, please know that the county's Office of Immigrant Affairs is here for

Support. Now more than ever, we must move forward with unity, compassion and resolve.''

Assemblymember Mark González, D-Los Angeles, represents the 54th Assembly District, composed of the cities of Los Angeles, Commerce, Montebello and Vernon. He chimed in Saturday night, saying in a statement, "As the federal government continues to engage in intimidation and violence, we call on federal lawmakers to uphold due process and keep Donald Trump accountable."

He added, "The latest attempt to seize control of California's National Guard and provoke unrest is not about public safety -- it's about destroying communities. California will not be complicit in the deportation of our undocumented community. I urge all Californians to speak out, show up, but do so peacefully. We don't meet cruelty with chaos -- we meet it with courage and clarity.''

Around 7 p.m. Saturday, the California Highway Patrol announced that a demonstration had formed and was blocking lanes of traffic on Alameda South of Aliso Street, and advised caution in the area. The department also stated that at the direction of Gov. Gavin Newsom, it will be deploying additional resources in Los Angeles to help maintain public safety on state highways and roadways. 

The statement added: "The CHP is aware of the federal immigration activity in Los Angeles County. We want to be clear: The CHP is not and will not be involved in these operations. Furthermore, we had no knowledge that they were scheduled to occur.''

Access denied

Meanwhile CHIRLA, ACLU of Southern California, CARECEN, and Immigrant Defenders Law Center (ImmDef) jointly denounced the federal government’s refusal to allow legal service providers access to individuals detained in immigration raids on Friday.

They said for two days, their legal teams have been denied entry to facilities where community members are believed to be held. 

“Members of Congress who sought access were also turned away. This lack of transparency obstructs legal representation, violates due process, and prevents families and elected officials from verifying the condition of those detained,” the release reads.

“These actions are not only unlawful—they are inhumane,” said Angelica Salas, executive director at CHIRLA. “Our communities deserve answers and our clients deserve counsel.”

With CNS information.