Los Angeles immigrant communities are on edge following a leaked memo revealing plans for a "large scale" immigration enforcement action in the city before the end of February.
The report, first obtained by the Los Angeles Times, suggests federal law enforcement agencies—including ICE, the FBI and the DEA—are preparing for a sweeping crackdown on undocumented residents, including those with no criminal record.
The news has sparked fear among students and workers, with some opting to stay home, KTLA reported. "We're seeing workers not reporting to work and we're seeing students too afraid to show up to school," Henry Perez, a local nonprofit organizer, told the outlet.
Peaceful student demonstrations have already begun in downtown LA as advocates work to ensure immigrants understand their legal rights. National VP for Far West LULAC, Jose Barrera, emphasized the impact rights education can have on ICE targets.
"We've seen reports across the nation that people who know their rights are actually a lot better off when it comes to these circumstances and ICE agents will more than likely leave them alone after an interaction," Barrera told KTLA.
While previous immigration raids under the Trump administration have primarily targeted undocumented individuals with criminal records, the upcoming operation is expected to include those who simply lack legal status or have pending removal orders.
The impact is already being felt. Last month, Giovanni Duran, a longtime Los Angeles resident who was brought to the U.S. from El Salvador as a toddler, was arrested by ICE agents while taking his 7-year-old to school. His family now faces an uncertain future.
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