Immigration authorities arrested 44 people across Los Angeles on Friday. Consequently, protests broke out in several parts of the city. Officers used flash bangs and crowd control tools to scatter demonstrators.

According to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) spokesperson Yasmeen Pitts O'Keefe, agents served search warrants at three locations. However, advocacy groups claimed arrests occurred at seven places. These included two Home Depot stores, a warehouse in the fashion district, and a doughnut shop.

Targeting Illegal Employment Practices

In the fashion district, agents raided a business suspected of hiring workers with fake documents. Notably, U.S. Attorney’s Office spokesperson Ciaran McEvoy confirmed the claim. This raid was part of a larger, national immigration enforcement plan.

Protests Escalate Quickly

Soon after the arrests, demonstrators gathered outside federal detention centers. They demanded the immediate release of the detainees. In one incident, video footage showed chaos outside a Home Depot. Agents escorted people with hands tied to white vans. Meanwhile, protesters shouted, “Set them free, let them stay!”

LA Mayor Condemns Raids

Later, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass spoke out strongly against the operation. “As Mayor of a proud city of immigrants, who contribute to our city in so many ways, I am deeply angered by what has taken place,” she stated. Moreover, she said, “These tactics sow terror in our communities and disrupt basic principles of safety in our city.”

ICE Justifies the Action

On the other hand, ICE Director Todd Lyons defended the agency’s actions. “Our job is to remove individuals who are a threat to public safety,” he said. Additionally, he claimed ICE is making an average of 1,600 arrests per day. He insisted they are focusing on “dangerous criminals.”