U.S. immigration authorities extended their presence in the Los Angeles area on Saturday, deploying Border Patrol personnel in riot gear and gas masks outside an industrial park in Paramount. The agents stood guard as bystanders and protesters gathered on medians and across the street, with some using megaphones to voice their opposition.
One woman used her megaphone to announce, "ICE out of Paramount. We see you for what you are." She added, "You are not welcome here," while others held signs that read "No Human Being is Illegal" and displayed graffiti with the message "Free all political prisoners" under an image of President Joe Biden’s face crossed out with red Xs.
The boulevard was closed to traffic as U.S. Border Patrol circulated through the area, but it was unclear how many people were detained or arrested during the operation. ICE representatives did not immediately respond to inquiries about weekend enforcement activities.
Context of Recent Arrests
The arrests by immigration authorities come amid plans for mass deportations pushed forward by President Donald Trump despite his re-election loss last year. Trump has vowed to carry out a series of mass deportations targeting undocumented immigrants who have been living in the United States without authorization.
On Thursday night into Friday morning, thousands protested downtown LA after news broke that dozens were arrested overnight Tuesday-Wednesday by ICE agents seeking undocumented workers employed by contractors hired by Southern California Edison Co., which has been upgrading power lines throughout much of SoCal since March 2022.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass described recent events as "an attempt to sow terror" but praised residents for staying calm amid chaotic scenes late Thursday into Friday morning when police responded multiple times after protesters threw fireworks towards officers. This occurred in response to multiple detentions made earlier this week at a Southern California Edison facility near downtown LA, where hundreds had gathered following reports that dozens had been taken away from work sites around LA County early Wednesday morning.
Bass stated she spoke with local law enforcement agencies about keeping residents safe during protests and added that she would continue working closely with them going forward. Biden administration officials have maintained they will not carry out mass deportations like those planned under Trump’s presidency when he leaves office next January 20th. However, they have also stated there will be no blanket amnesty either, meaning any undocumented immigrants who are deported could potentially face future deportation if they return illegally within three years before being allowed back legally through asylum or other means such as family reunification visas available only if one parent already lives legally inside U.S. borders.
Related Incidents
A firework exploded near police during clashes between protesters who threw fireworks towards officers responding to multiple detentions made earlier this week at a Southern California Edison facility near downtown LA. Protesters began leaving early from their spot along Garfield Avenue after one said, "We’re going back home."
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