Emma Thompson-Klotz ·
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…this is disgusting, unbelievable and taking place
Mass Immigration Arrests Spark Chaos in Los Angeles
NOTE: David Huerta is the president of SEIU California (Service Employees International Union) and SEIU-United Service Workers West. He was injured during the arrest, treated at a hospital, and then transferred to the Metropolitan Detention Center. As of June 7, 2025, he remained in custody and is scheduled for arraignment on Monday.
What Happened:
• Friday, June 6: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested at least 44 people in surprise workplace raids across Los Angeles.
• One of those arrested was David Huerta, president of SEIU California, who was detained after allegedly blocking federal agents during a raid.
• The raids took place at multiple locations, including Home Depot parking lots and warehouses in the Fashion District.
• Federal officials confirmed some detainees were Mexican nationals. ICE has not released the full breakdown of immigration status for those arrested.
Protests Break Out:
• Hundreds gathered outside the Los Angeles Federal Building and a downtown detention center.
• Protesters held signs like “Free Them All” and “Stop the Deportations.”
• Some demonstrators sprayed anti-ICE graffiti, blocked law enforcement vehicles, and threw projectiles.
• Protesters chanted as they marched toward a detention site on Temple Street.
Police Response:
• LAPD declared an unlawful assembly around 7 p.m.
• Officers in riot gear used tear gas, flash bangs, and smoke bombs to disperse crowds.
• Aerial footage showed police clearing the streets to make way for armored vehicles.
• At least one protester was pinned to the ground during the confrontation.
Community Impact:
• Families and friends of detainees went to the detention center for answers.
• A young woman was filmed crying after her father was taken by ICE.
• Reports surfaced that some detainees were held overnight in a basement of a federal building with little food, no phone access, and no updates.
Legal & Political Fallout:
• California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the actions as “reckless and cruel,” and called the federal sweeps part of an arbitrary arrest quota.
• Mayor Karen Bass called it “mass chaos” and said the city received no prior notice.
• LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell stated LAPD will not assist with deportations or ask about immigration status:
“We want everyone, including our immigrant community, to feel safe calling the police.”
• U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli warned:
“I don’t care who you are, if you impede federal agents, you will be arrested and prosecuted.”
• David Huerta, after being treated for injuries, said:
“Hard-working people, and members of our family and our community, are being treated like criminals… This is not justice. This is injustice.”
Summary:
• The June 6 immigration raids triggered protests, mass detentions, and strong backlash from California leaders.
• As of now, ICE has not confirmed how many remain detained, or whether any legal immigrants were mistakenly swept up.
• This event is part of Donald Trump’s expanded immigration enforcement push in California, and is intensifying public distrust.