Federal agents raided an underground nightclub in Los Angeles early Friday, arresting 36 Chinese and Taiwanese nationals suspected of being unlawfully present in the United States, according to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles.
The operation was carried out by HSI, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Los Angeles branch. Also participating was the El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force, a Southern California-based unit that investigates financial crimes. The task force includes members from HSI Los Angeles, IRS Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, and the California Department of Justice.
Officials have not disclosed the nightclub’s name or location. A video released by HSI on X (formerly Twitter) shows agents preparing before sunrise and later detaining individuals outside a building. Detainees are seen being handcuffed and placed into white vans.
While the arrests were for immigration violations, the involvement of a financial crimes unit suggests investigators may be examining additional offenses. However, no further charges have been confirmed.
The raid is part of a broader nationwide crackdown. ICE reported a record number of arrests this week, citing compliance with President Trump’s directive to accelerate enforcement and deportations.
BY YOONJAE JUNG [jung.yoonjae@koreadaily.com]
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