The Department of Homeland Security initiated an unexpected operation to enforce immigration regulations in Los Angeles on Wednesday, resulting in the arrest of 16 undocumented immigrants associated with a region that federal authorities claim is under the influence of MS-13 gang control.
Named “Operation Trojan Horse,” the raid commenced at approximately 7 a.m. near a Home Depot located on Wilshire Boulevard by MacArthur Park — the same site where a previous sweep in June attracted national media attention, as reported by Fox News LA.
Footage from the scene depicts federal agents emerging from the rear of a Penske moving truck and rushing towards a group of individuals congregated near a street food vendor. The crowd promptly dispersed as agents advanced.
As per a spokesperson from DHS, 16 undocumented individuals were apprehended. These individuals hail from Guatemala, Mexico, Honduras, and Nicaragua. No additional information was immediately available regarding their criminal backgrounds or immigration status; however, DHS officials emphasized that the area is afflicted by gang-related activities that pose a threat to public safety.
“This area has a recognized MS-13 stronghold,” a DHS official informed Fox News, providing justification for the enforcement operation.
Penske Truck Rental, whose vehicle was utilized during the operation, swiftly distanced itself from the raid, asserting that it “strictly prohibits” the transportation of individuals in the cargo sections of its trucks and had no prior knowledge of DHS employing its equipment.
“Penske will contact DHS and reiterate its policy to prevent the improper use of its vehicles in the future,” the company stated.
In spite of ongoing legal challenges from pro-immigration activists, the raid on Wednesday was not impeded by a recent federal court ruling that temporarily limited warrantless detentions. This ruling, issued last month by a federal judge, criticized DHS for allegedly conducting “roving” patrols and detaining individuals based on their ethnicity or occupation rather than legal justification.
The ruling by the judge appointed by Biden mandated that the government provide detainees with access to legal counsel — a decision perceived by many as an effort to restrict the actions of federal agents and delay deportations.
The Biden Justice Department contested the restraining order; however, a panel of three judges from the 9th Circuit declined to suspend the ruling. The case is anticipated to be taken to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Nonetheless, the legal opposition did not impede the operation that took place on Wednesday. Bill Essayli, the U.S. Attorney for Los Angeles, expressed his approval of the enforcement action on X.
“For those who believed that immigration enforcement had ceased in Southern California, reconsider,” Essayli stated. “The enforcement of federal law is non-negotiable, and there are no safe havens from the authority of the federal government.”
This raid follows a significant operation on June 6 in the same area, where approximately 100 federal agents apprehended several individuals. This action led Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass to confront the agents directly.
“They must depart, and they must do so immediately. Their presence is unacceptable,” Bass yelled at the agents, emphasizing her disapproval of immigration enforcement.
On that day, coordinated raids occurred at seven different locations throughout Los Angeles, leading to widespread protests by the evening. Some protesters resorted to violence, which caused the Los Angeles Police Department to declare an unlawful assembly and issue a citywide tactical alert.
SkyFOX footage captured numerous LAPD officers in riot gear forming lines outside the Royal Federal Building in downtown as protesters threw objects and moved toward the building.
Video evidence displayed confrontations between officers and protesters. Tear gas and pepper spray were utilized as demonstrators employed hammers to shatter concrete and spray-painted “F*** ICE” on city property.
As reported by the LAPD, a number of protesters started hurling pieces of concrete at law enforcement as tensions within the crowd intensified.
With President Trump reinstated in office and taking a firm stance against sanctuary policies, the Department of Homeland Security has unequivocally stated that immigration enforcement is resuming — and no city, no activist mayor, nor any protest group will obstruct this effort.
