'Immigrant targeting operations persist in Los Angeles, disregarding a court's decree'
In a shocking turn of events, U.S. Border Patrol agents conducted an immigration enforcement operation outside a Home Depot store in the Westlake area of Los Angeles on August 6, 2025. Dubbed "Operation Trojan Horse" by the Trump administration, the operation saw agents arriving in a Penske moving box truck, soliciting day laborers, and making multiple arrests, ultimately taking 16 people into custody.
The operation, which took place around 7 a.m. near The Home Depot at 1675 Wilshire Blvd., has been met with fierce criticism from local immigrant advocates and activists. They argue that the operation violates a federal court order that prohibits agents from targeting individuals solely based on race, language, occupation, or location.
Martha Arevalo, executive director of the Central American Resource Center of Los Angeles, called the operation a violation of the court order and a disturbing pattern of intimidation against the immigrant community. Pablo Alvarado, co-executive director of the National Day Laborer Organizing Network, described the operation as a dangerous escalation in the Trump administration's assault on immigrant communities, the courts, and the people of Los Angeles.
Rep. Judy Chu (D-Pasadena) condemned the operation, calling it "political terror" against immigrant communities. Local immigrant advocates and groups announced plans for protests and marches in response to the operation.
The federal government is likely to appeal the ruling to the US Supreme Court. Penske Truck Rental, whose trucks were used in the operation, stated that they strictly prohibit the transportation of people in the cargo area of their vehicles under any circumstances. The company was not made aware that their trucks would be used in the operation and did not authorize it.
The Department of Homeland Security officials told Fox News that the notorious MS-13 gang has a "chokehold" on the area. However, this has not been substantiated by independent sources, and the operation's primary focus remains unclear.
The federal enforcement operation on August 6, 2025, occurred despite a temporary restraining order issued last month. This order prohibits federal agents from stopping individuals without reasonable suspicion and from detaining them based on ethnicity or occupation.
The recent raids have sparked protests at Home Depot stores, with demonstrators accusing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) of violating the court order and calling for a boycott of the retailer due to its implicit complicity since raids often happen on or near store property. These protests intensified after the death of Carlos Montoya, who was struck by a car while reportedly fleeing an ICE raid at a Home Depot lot, although DHS denies he was being pursued at the time.
The ongoing immigration raids and the contentious enforcement campaign by federal agents have provoked significant community and political backlash in Los Angeles. As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that the debate over immigration policy and enforcement tactics will remain a hot topic in the coming months.
[1] Fox News, "Operation Trojan Horse: Immigration Raids Catch 16 in Los Angeles," August 7, 2025. [2] Los Angeles Times, "Protests Erupt Over ICE Raids at Home Depot Stores," August 10, 2025. [3] CNN, "ICE Raids at Home Depot Stores Spark Outcry," August 12, 2025. [4] NBC News, "Immigration Raids in Los Angeles: A Look at the Controversial Operation," August 15, 2025.
- The ongoing immigration raids, as depicted in the Operation Trojan Horse enforcement operation on August 6, 2025, have ignited fierce debates about immigration policy and legislation, with many arguing that such actions violate federal court orders and target individuals based on race, language, occupation, or location.
- As the Operation Trojan Horse controversy escalates, with protests, marches, and calls for boycotts arising due to its perceived violation of court orders, the political landscape surrounding immigration, crime, and justice continues to be a general news focus in the aftermath of this controversial operation.
