LOS ANGELES (KTLA) — An immigration raid at a California Dwelling Depot has raised the temperature on simmering tensions in Los Angeles.
Video posted to social media exhibits what seems to be a squad of federal brokers loading right into a Penske truck, with the video’s caption saying the scene was recorded at 6:40 a.m.
The Workplace of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass decried the raids and stipulated that such federal actions are prohibited by a recent court ruling.
“For months federal brokers have been masking themselves and now they’re utilizing rental vans to conduct their seemingly discriminatory raids – these techniques are harmful,” the Mayor’s Workplace mentioned in an announcement. “The Federal court docket of appeals made clear that it’s unconstitutional on this nation to racially profile folks and snatch them from worksites. The Metropolis is gathering details about these reported raids and contemplating all authorized choices. Techniques like this are un-American and we are going to by no means settle for these terrorizing ploys as a brand new regular.”
The United Farm Employees mentioned the labor union can be fearful a couple of doable violation of the court docket’s order.
“Whereas extra investigation is required, we have now critical issues that the federal govt could also be in violation of the federal decide’s July TRO,” the union wrote on social media.
Moreover, Penske criticized federal brokers for utilizing their vans in a prohibited method.
“Penske strictly prohibits the transportation of individuals within the cargo space of its autos beneath any circumstances,” the corporate mentioned in a statement posted to social media. “The corporate was not made conscious that its vans could be utilized in as we speak’s operation and didn’t authorize this. Penske will attain out to [the Department of Homeland Security] and reinforce its coverage to keep away from improper use of its autos sooner or later.”
Federal officers, nonetheless, criticized the corporate for what they perceived to be hypocrisy.
The Division of Homeland Safety shared a screenshot of a Fox Information story that talked about a human smuggling ring had utilized Penske vans.
“Care to remind the American folks what Penske mentioned when this occurred? Silence speaks volumes,” DHS wrote. “The courageous brokers of [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] and [Customs and Border Protection] will proceed finishing up their mission to guard Individuals.”
Performing U.S. Lawyer Invoice Essayli additionally chimed in, intimating that regardless of the court docket’s ruling, immigration raids may improve in coming days.
“For individuals who thought immigration enforcement had stopped in Southern California, suppose once more,” he said on social media. “The enforcement of federal legislation is just not negotiable, and there are not any sanctuaries from the attain of the federal authorities.”
DHS officers mentioned the raid resulted within the arrest of 16 folks from Guatemala, Mexico, Honduras, and Nicaragua who have been residing within the nation illegally.