Angelenos Testify on ICE Raids 1 Year Later as LA Detentions Double
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 14
Angelenos Testify on ICE Raids 1 Year Later as LA Detentions Double
1 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 14
Summary
Dozens of Angelenos, lawyers and activists testified at a People’s Hearing on Immigration Enforcement, saying last summer’s federal raids still shape daily life in Los Angeles a year later.
Fewer than 1,000 people were typically held in ICE’s Los Angeles area before the raids; that population has since doubled, while advocates say arrests continue through check-ins, targeted operations and bystander sweeps.
At Adelanto, detainees launched a hunger strike in May over water, food and medical care, and lawyers said release has become harder as judges increasingly set bonds at $15,000 to $20,000, far above the $1,500 minimum.
The fallout has spread through immigrant neighborhoods and businesses: one fabric shop owner said sales fell about 85%, and a nonprofit said it spent at least $1.5 million to help 150 immigrants post bond.
Speakers tied the hearing to a broader Trump-era crackdown that began with workplace and Home Depot raids and now leaves unresolved demands for safety, relief and reparations.
Raids cost Los Angeles over $625 million in sales. Is this the true price of current immigration enforcement?
With thousands sent to unfamiliar nations, how has 'third-country deportation' reshaped the lives of U.S. asylum seekers?
1,100 Daily ICE Arrests and Fivefold Deportation Spike: Los Angeles’ Struggle Against Federal Immigration Crackdown (2025–2026)
Overview
As of June 2026, immigration enforcement in the United States, especially in Los Angeles, has intensified sharply, with ICE arrests and deportations rising dramatically under the current administration. This surge in enforcement has led to widespread protests and strong criticism of ICE’s tactics, which many describe as inhumane. ICE has shifted its focus back to traditional activities, such as in-custody arrests and targeting individuals at their homes and workplaces, moving away from previous street operations. The aggressive approach has fueled public outcry and prompted local leaders in Los Angeles to push for stronger protections and resist federal actions, reflecting a growing divide between federal policy and community response.