'Large Scale' Immigration Enforcement Action Coming To LA County: Report

LOS ANGELES, CA — Internal government documents reviewed by the Los Angeles Times revealed federal law enforcement officials are planning to carry out "large scale" immigration enforcement action in the LA area before the end of February.

The document, which was circulated among federal law enforcement officials according to the Times, indicated U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement would spearhead the operation. During the action, law enforcement will focus on people who do not have legal status in the country or have pending orders of removal.

Since President Donald Trump took office, immigration operations have increased and have sparked fear in communities throughout the U.S. Despite many reports of ICE activity in the area, there had yet to be any sweeps or raids in the LA area as of the end of January, according to ICE spokesperson Richard Beam.

"ICE does not conduct raids or sweeps, nor does the agency operate roadblocks or checkpoints. ICE’s enforcement resources are based on intelligence-driven leads and ICE officers do not target noncitizens indiscriminately," Beam said.

Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law legislation allocating $25 million to provide immigrants with legal services to fight immigration proceedings against them. State and local education leaders in California in the wake of Trumps' inauguration have issued guidance to immigrant students and families about their rights.

Although officials have denied large-scale operations are happening in the LA area, some people have reported that they're being subjected to more intense scrutiny by immigration officials.

“It was just a regular morning,” said Loreal Duran from Echo Park, describing her family’s before-school rush to get the kids out the door and loaded into the car.

But on the morning in question, Jan. 23, as her husband fastened their two young children into their seats, an immigration officer walked up, asking Loreal to show identification. “As he got closer to the car, he saw my husband, and basically, he just went around to the other side to
grab my husband out of the car and take him away.”

According to the Times, any potential upcoming plans for immigration enforcement operations in LA could change due to the "chaotic" nature of the Trump administration and anticipated pushback from other agencies that will be required to aid ICE.

A source told the Times that agents with the FBI and the Drug Enforcement Administration's LA field offices will be called in for assistance.

CalMatters and Patch staffer Chris Lindahl contributed to this report