****

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the L.A. Rapid Response Network, which comprises immigrant rights, legal, and faith-based groups, have mobilized to counter heightened ICE raids in Los Angeles. The coalition provides a hotline for individuals to report ICE activities and seek assistance following raids.

Organizations such as the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles have organized workshops educating undocumented immigrants on their constitutional rights and preparing them for potential encounters with federal agents. These initiatives emphasize that individuals are not required to allow federal agents into their homes without a warrant or disclose their immigration status.

In parallel, the Los Angeles Unified School District has started distributing "Know Your Rights" cards to help people safeguard themselves against federal immigration authorities. This effort came in response to the Trump administration's decision to authorize ICE arrests in traditionally off-limits zones like schools and churches, rolling back policies established in 2011.

Prominent ICE enforcement actions have recently occurred in other major cities like Chicago and Boston before focusing on L.A. Notably, a recent raid at a restaurant in San Diego’s South Park neighborhood led to several arrests. During the raid, numerous individuals gathered outside to protest and document the event, surrounding the agents' vehicles with their cell phones recording.

An analysis of ICE and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) activities reveals a significant surge in removals within the L.A. region. Between the fiscal years 2022 and 2024, removals rose by over 180%, culminating in 3,551 removals by the end of fiscal 2024. Detentions have similarly increased by 155% in the same period, with 3,857 people detained in 2024.

Chris Newman, legal director and general counsel for the National Day Laborer Organizing Network, noted that these figures were not unexpected. The significant increase, particularly from 2023 to 2024, saw detentions rise by 432% (from 217 to 1,154) and removals by 547% (from 223 to 1,443) for individuals without criminal convictions.

The surge in ICE operations has been somewhat contentious, as former President Joe Biden grappled with rising political pressures to manage illegal immigration. Newman pointed out that the Biden administration focused efforts on individuals with recent arrivals and those with criminal histories, aligning with broader political and social pressures.

The growing community response highlights the ongoing tensions and challenges faced by immigrant communities amid shifting national immigration policies and enforcement practices.