Republican Party in Florida removes immigration-themed merchandise following pushback from Home Depot
In a series of targeted raids, federal agents have been conducting immigration enforcement operations around Home Depot stores, particularly in the Los Angeles area, with a focus on day laborers. These operations, which took place in 2025 under the name "Operation Trojan Horse," have raised concerns and drew media and legal scrutiny due to the blending of labor market activities and immigration enforcement in everyday public spaces.
The controversy began in early August 2025, with multiple incidents happening day after day at various Home Depot locations across Los Angeles neighborhoods, such as Van Nuys, Westlake, San Bernardino, Cypress Park, Marina del Rey, North Hollywood, and Inglewood. Federal agents reportedly targeted not only day laborers but also customers perceived as immigrants, often relying on racial profiling, which has led to allegations and investigations of legal violations.
The "Operation Trojan Horse" name comes from a raid where agents hid in a Penske rental truck and sprang into action to arrest 16 undocumented immigrants near a Home Depot in Westlake, Los Angeles. These raids occurred despite legal actions such as a temporary restraining order (TRO) issued in July 2025 that barred indiscriminate immigration stops and arrests.
The enforcement operations have generated significant community and political backlash, highlighting tension over immigration policy enforcement at neighborhood locations where day laborers typically gather to find work. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), claimed these "targeted raids" were legal and necessary enforcement actions conducted ethically, though critics dispute this characterization and allege potentially unlawful tactics.
In a recent development, the Republican Party of Florida removed merchandise featuring a logo similar to Home Depot's from its website, which was an attempt to advertise the state's planned second immigration detention facility. The party has not commented on the removal of the "Deport Depot" merchandise from its website.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident, Home Depot deferred comment to the Department of Homeland Security regarding the immigration enforcement operation in Paramount, Los Angeles County. The Florida GOP stated that it was confident that "no reasonable person would think it's the logo of a company." A Home Depot spokesperson stated that the company doesn't allow any organization to use its branding or logo for commercial purposes.
The renewed focus on Home Depot stores in immigration enforcement discussions has not affected the stores' operations. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, discussed President Donald Trump's plan to deal with states whose cities have sanctuary policies in place. Despite the controversies, Home Depot stores remain open.
References:
- NPR
- LA Times
- VICE News
- CNN
- ABC News
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