Federal Agents Conduct Surprise Immigration Raid in Los Angeles Amid Gang Activity and Legal Pushback

In a sudden and highly coordinated move early Wednesday morning, federal agents from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) launched an immigration enforcement operation in central Los Angeles, targeting a known hotspot for transnational gang activity. The effort resulted in the arrest of 16 individuals suspected of being in the country illegally, according to DHS officials.

The operation, codenamed “Operation Trojan Horse,” took place near the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and MacArthur Park — an area authorities say has become heavily influenced by the violent MS-13 gang. The neighborhood has been under increased scrutiny in recent months due to a surge in crime and previous immigration sweeps.

The raid began around 7 a.m., when federal agents concealed in the back of a rented Penske moving truck burst out and pursued a group of individuals gathered near a popular street food stand. Footage from the scene shows the startled crowd scattering in all directions as agents in tactical gear advanced.

A spokesperson for DHS confirmed that 16 foreign nationals were taken into custody during the operation. The individuals are believed to be from Central American countries including Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, as well as Mexico. Although federal officials did not immediately provide details regarding any criminal backgrounds or ongoing investigations, they emphasized the ongoing danger posed by gang-controlled areas.

“This is a known corridor of MS-13 control,” a DHS official stated. “Public safety demands a strong and immediate response.”

The use of a Penske truck in the operation quickly drew attention from the company itself, which issued a public statement clarifying that it had no knowledge of the vehicle being used by law enforcement in this manner. Penske emphasized that it strictly prohibits transporting individuals in the cargo compartments of its vehicles and said it would follow up with DHS to prevent future unauthorized use of its trucks.

Despite recent legal efforts aimed at limiting immigration enforcement actions, Wednesday’s raid proceeded without judicial interference. A recent federal court ruling had temporarily restricted warrantless detentions by immigration authorities, citing concerns about racial profiling and unlawful patrol tactics. The decision, issued by a federal judge appointed by President Biden, also called for detained individuals to have prompt access to legal representation.

The Justice Department had appealed the ruling, but the 9th Circuit Court declined to suspend the restrictions, leaving the decision in effect. Legal experts anticipate the case may ultimately be taken up by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Still, those limitations did not stop federal agents from carrying out the latest operation, which DHS characterized as targeted and intelligence-driven.

U.S. Attorney for Los Angeles Bill Essayli voiced strong support for the enforcement effort, writing on the social platform X:
“To those who thought immigration enforcement had ended in Southern California — think again. Federal law is not optional, and no city is exempt from its reach.”

This week’s sweep comes just months after a similar high-profile operation took place in the same neighborhood. On June 6, more than 100 federal agents executed coordinated raids across seven Los Angeles locations, detaining several individuals. That day’s events quickly escalated as protestors gathered in response.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass confronted agents directly at the scene, demanding they leave the area. “They need to leave, and they need to leave right now,” she said during the confrontation, reiterating her opposition to federal immigration enforcement efforts in the city.

The June raid sparked widespread demonstrations by evening. Protesters flooded downtown streets, with some becoming aggressive and clashing with police. The Los Angeles Police Department declared an unlawful assembly and issued a citywide tactical alert as tensions rose.

Helicopter footage captured LAPD officers in full riot gear forming defensive lines near federal buildings as protesters advanced. Video showed several violent encounters, including individuals breaking concrete, throwing debris at officers, and defacing government property with graffiti such as “F*** ICE.”

According to police reports, protesters armed with hammers and improvised projectiles escalated the confrontation, prompting officers to deploy tear gas and pepper spray to disperse the crowd.

With President Trump now back in office and taking a harder line on immigration, DHS has reiterated its commitment to restoring federal authority in so-called “sanctuary” jurisdictions. Federal officials have indicated that enforcement will continue regardless of local political resistance.

In a statement following Wednesday’s operation, DHS emphasized that enforcement actions are based on national security concerns and intelligence assessments—not politics.

As legal battles continue to unfold in courtrooms and city halls, the federal government appears to be intensifying its efforts to assert immigration authority in urban areas, particularly those linked to gang activity. Whether these operations will become more frequent or face further legal hurdles remains to be seen.