ICE Crackdown Expands in Southern California, Targeting Home Depot and Restaurants

A major immigration enforcement operation led by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is intensifying across Southern California, combining random sweeps and targeted raids that are spreading fear throughout immigrant communities.

According to a June 10 report by the LA Times, ICE agents were seen at several high-traffic public and commercial locations, including a courthouse and library in Whittier, Home Depot stores in Huntington Park and Santa Ana, and various businesses in Fountain Valley.

Random Raids Centered on Home Depot and Public Locations

Unmarked federal vehicles have been involved in spontaneous enforcement actions focused on areas where day laborers commonly gather—especially Home Depot parking lots. In April, plainclothes agents swept through a Home Depot in Pomona, where DHS confirmed 10 arrests, though immigration advocacy groups claimed up to 25 people were taken into custody.

A similar operation occurred on June 6 at a Home Depot in the Westlake neighborhood of Los Angeles. Despite repeated incidents, federal authorities have not disclosed how they select locations or how long these operations will continue.

According to Casey Conway of the Orange County Rapid Response Network (CRRN), recent enforcement has also targeted donut shops, restaurants, gyms, and warehouses. On June 9, individuals were detained outside the Huntington Park Home Depot, and later that day, agents conducted a sweep at a car wash in Culver City.

Among those arrested was Arturo Vasquez (48), who was taken into custody while visiting the car wash with his family. His son Brian (15) said through tears, “I told my dad not to sign anything.” At another car wash in Westchester the same day, a longtime employee was detained. His wife, Noemi Ciau, stated, “Our 10-year-old is beginning to understand what happened, but our 5-year-old still thinks his dad just went to work.”

Media reports suggested that Stephen Miller, a senior adviser at the White House, may be behind the increase in random raids. Miller reportedly ordered agents to raise arrest numbers regardless of criminal background and identified Home Depot and 7-Eleven as primary targets.

Targeted Raids at Restaurants and Apparel Manufacturer

In addition to random sweeps, several targeted raids have been conducted based on specific allegations. In late May, ICE and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents served warrants at Buona Forchetta and Enoteca Buona Forchetta, two restaurants in San Diego. Authorities alleged the businesses employed undocumented workers using forged documents. Four people were arrested, and the investigation was said to have been prompted by years of tips and testimony.

On June 6, agents raided Ambiance Apparel, a Korean American-owned clothing company in downtown Los Angeles. The company denied any wrongdoing, stating, “We have only hired legal workers,” and confirmed they are in contact with the government to verify the facts.

The growing combination of random sweeps and targeted business raids has deepened anxiety in immigrant communities across Southern California, prompting louder calls from advocacy groups to protect civil rights and demand transparency in federal enforcement actions.

BY HANKIL KANG [kang.hankil@koreadaily.com]