ICE Raids Spread Fear, Trigger Protests, National Guard Deployment in California

In Los Angeles, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids have intensified, targeting workplaces such as car washes, Home Depots, and gas stations, resulting in numerous detentions including individuals without known whereabouts. The raids, accompanied by deployment of National Guard troops and hundreds of Marines ordered by President Donald Trump, have sparked widespread protests and instilled a climate of fear and terror among immigrant communities, as noted by local leaders including Councilman Hugo Soto-Martínez. Undocumented residents like Bella are avoiding public spaces and events out of fear of being apprehended, while families grapple with the sudden disappearance of loved ones. Similar fears are spreading to San Francisco, where ICE arrests near federal immigration courts have led to canceled hearings and large protests, with community advocates highlighting the chilling effect on immigrants attending court or work. The ongoing enforcement efforts and the involvement of military personnel underscore the Trump administration's aggressive immigration stance despite local opposition. These developments reveal a deepening crisis of trust and safety in immigrant communities across California.