LOS ANGELES — Immigration enforcement operations across Southern California this week have stirred fear, sparked protests, and intensified political tensions as a legal battle over control of National Guard troops in Los Angeles continues.
On Wednesday morning, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents carried out raids in Pasadena, detaining six residents and transporting them to the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown LA, according to Rep. Judy Chu. The arrests reportedly occurred near a Pasadena shopping center, with witnesses saying some detentions took place at a bus stop at Los Robles Avenue and Orange Grove Boulevard.
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“This is not law enforcement — it’s a gross abuse of power,” Rep. Chu posted on X. “Masked and armed like a militia, they’re terrorizing families.” She said ICE agents were pointing guns, acting without warrants, and even brandished a weapon at a bystander filming the scene. Chu attempted to visit the detention center later that day but claimed she was denied entry, calling the move “outrageous and unlawful.”
City officials in Pasadena emphasized they were not involved in the raids. “We do not inquire about immigration status,” said spokeswoman Lisa Deriderian, adding that local police had only staged outside City Hall briefly and that the city remains focused on community service. A peaceful protest of about 250 people followed that evening at the intersection of Orange Grove and Los Robles.
The Pasadena raids came just a day after ICE conducted similar operations in Pico Rivera, drawing swift backlash. Agents raided a Food 4 Less and Lowe’s location, prompting a protest of around 100 people. One man, Adrian Andrew Martinez, was tackled and arrested after allegedly intervening during another person’s questioning.
City of Pico Rivera officials condemned the actions, stating, “We are not cooperating with or supporting federal immigration control operations.” Their statement also expressed concern over reports of aggressive tactics, warrantless arrests, and targeting of specific communities.
Demonstrators marched for hours from City Hall to Rosemead and Washington boulevards, with LA County sheriff’s deputies present but reporting no arrests.
These immigration raids come as tensions escalate over control of California National Guard troops deployed to Los Angeles. The matter is now tied up in the courts. A federal appeals panel heard arguments Tuesday in a lawsuit by Gov. Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta, who are challenging former President Trump’s move to federalize the Guard. While a federal judge previously ruled the action unconstitutional, the panel has not yet restored Newsom’s authority.
A new hearing is scheduled for Friday before Judge Charles Breyer, who may issue further orders limiting federal control.
The National Guard was deployed after violent protests on June 6–7, with Trump later sending 700 U.S. Marines to the area. As of Tuesday, the 49th Military Police Brigade, the 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, and two Marine units were reportedly stationed in Los Angeles under central command, totaling more than 4,800 military personnel.
Trump, undeterred by protests or legal challenges, called on ICE Sunday to deliver the “single largest Mass Deportation Program in History.”
