“Operation Trojan Horse”: DHS Launches Surprise Immigration Raid in MS-13-Controlled LA Zone

Los Angeles, CA — In a bold and highly coordinated move on Wednesday morning, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) carried out a surprise immigration enforcement operation in a central Los Angeles neighborhood known for persistent gang violence. The agency confirmed the arrest of 16 undocumented individuals believed to have ties to an area heavily influenced by the MS-13 gang.

The operation, codenamed “Operation Trojan Horse,” commenced around 7 a.m. near a Home Depot on Wilshire Boulevard, adjacent to MacArthur Park—a location that has been the focus of previous immigration sweeps. Federal agents, concealed in the back of a Penske moving truck, swiftly emerged and rushed a group of people gathered near a popular street vendor, causing the crowd to scatter in all directions.

Video from the scene showed the intensity and speed of the operation, which was reportedly carried out with no prior warning to local authorities. A spokesperson for DHS later confirmed that 16 individuals were taken into custody. The detainees are nationals of Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Nicaragua. Although their full records have not yet been disclosed, DHS stated that the area is considered a “public safety threat zone” due to entrenched gang presence.

“This neighborhood is under a known MS-13 stronghold,” a senior DHS official said. “We are targeting individuals not only for their unlawful presence but because of their potential connection to violent criminal networks.”

Penske Responds to Vehicle Use

The use of a Penske rental truck as a tactical tool in the operation raised eyebrows. In response, Penske Truck Leasing issued a statement clarifying that it was unaware its vehicle had been utilized in the raid and emphasized that company policy prohibits human transport in cargo areas.

“We strictly prohibit the use of our vehicles for transporting individuals in cargo compartments,” the company said. “We will be contacting DHS to reinforce these policies and prevent similar incidents in the future.”

Legal Challenges and Ongoing Federal Pushback

The operation took place despite ongoing legal battles that have sought to limit federal immigration enforcement tactics. A federal judge, appointed during the Biden administration, had recently issued a temporary restraining order against warrantless detentions in Southern California. The court criticized DHS for allegedly engaging in profiling tactics and detaining individuals based on ethnic appearance or employment rather than solid legal grounds.

Additionally, the ruling required that all detainees be granted timely access to legal counsel, a measure immigration advocates say protects civil liberties but that DHS insiders argue hampers their ability to swiftly enforce the law.

Although the Justice Department appealed the ruling, a panel from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals denied a stay, leaving the order in effect. The case is expected to reach the U.S. Supreme Court in the coming months.

Nonetheless, DHS moved forward with Wednesday’s operation, seemingly prepared for the legal scrutiny.

Federal Officials Double Down

Bill Essayli, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, applauded the operation on social media, signaling a firm stance on federal immigration enforcement.

“To those who believed federal immigration enforcement had ceased in Southern California—this is your reminder that the law still stands,” Essayli posted on X (formerly Twitter). “There are no sanctuaries from federal authority.”

Escalating Tensions With Local Officials

This week’s action is the second major immigration sweep in the area this summer. A large-scale operation on June 6 involved over 100 federal agents conducting simultaneous raids at seven locations across Los Angeles. That effort triggered immediate backlash from city leaders, including Mayor Karen Bass, who directly confronted federal agents on site.

“They need to leave. This is unacceptable,” Bass told reporters after approaching agents during the June raid. “We will not tolerate intimidation of our communities.”

The situation escalated by evening, as protests erupted across the city. Demonstrators clashed with LAPD near the Royal Federal Building downtown. Officers in full riot gear formed defensive lines as objects were thrown at them and slogans were painted across government buildings.

According to LAPD reports, some protesters broke up concrete from sidewalks and used it as makeshift projectiles. Law enforcement responded with tear gas and pepper spray, declaring an unlawful assembly and issuing a citywide tactical alert.

A Clear Message from the Trump Administration

With President Donald Trump back in office, federal agencies are signaling a renewed and aggressive focus on immigration enforcement—particularly in cities known for sanctuary policies. DHS officials emphasized that political opposition, local pushback, and even judicial orders will not deter future operations.

“Our mission is public safety, and that will not be compromised,” a DHS spokesperson stated. “The days of ignoring federal law in sanctuary cities are over.”

As the debate over immigration enforcement intensifies, Wednesday’s raid may only be the beginning of a broader federal crackdown across major U.S. cities.