DHS Launches Surprise Immigration Raid in Los Angeles

16 Undocumented Immigrants Arrested in MS-13-Controlled Area

On Wednesday morning, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) carried out an unexpected immigration enforcement operation in Los Angeles. The raid, named “Operation Trojan Horse,” began around 7 a.m. near a Home Depot on Wilshire Boulevard by MacArthur Park — the same location that drew national attention during a sweep in June.

Federal agents emerged from a Penske moving truck and swiftly advanced toward a group gathered near a street food vendor. The crowd scattered as the agents approached.

According to DHS, 16 undocumented immigrants from Guatemala, Mexico, Honduras, and Nicaragua were detained. While details about their criminal records or immigration status remain undisclosed, officials stressed the public safety risk in the area.

“This area has a recognized MS-13 stronghold,” a DHS spokesperson told Fox News.

Penske Responds: “No Prior Knowledge”

Penske Truck Rental quickly distanced itself from the raid. The company stated it strictly prohibits transporting individuals in the cargo area of its trucks and was unaware of DHS using its vehicle.

“Penske will contact DHS and reiterate its policy to prevent the improper use of its vehicles in the future,” the company added.

Legal Challenges Fail to Halt Operation

Despite recent legal efforts from immigration advocates, the raid proceeded. A federal judge’s ruling last month temporarily restricted warrantless detentions and criticized DHS for targeting people based on ethnicity or occupation rather than legal grounds. The judge also ordered that detainees be granted access to legal counsel — a move seen as a check on federal authority.

Although the Biden Justice Department challenged the ruling, the 9th Circuit declined to pause it. The case is expected to reach the U.S. Supreme Court.

Federal Officials Stand by the Raid

The legal resistance didn’t stop DHS from moving forward. U.S. Attorney for Los Angeles Bill Essayli defended the action on X (formerly Twitter):

“For those who believed that immigration enforcement had ceased in Southern California, reconsider. The enforcement of federal law is non-negotiable, and there are no safe havens from the authority of the federal government.”

Raid Rekindles Tensions in LA

This latest operation follows a June 6 raid at the same location involving nearly 100 federal agents. Several arrests prompted Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass to confront DHS agents directly.

“They must depart, and they must do so immediately. Their presence is unacceptable,” she shouted at them.

That same day, coordinated sweeps took place across seven LA locations, sparking protests by evening. As some demonstrators turned violent, the LAPD declared an unlawful assembly and issued a citywide tactical alert.

Footage from SkyFOX showed LAPD officers in riot gear outside the Royal Federal Building downtown. Protesters threw objects and advanced toward the building. Some used hammers to break concrete, while others spray-painted anti-ICE slogans.

The LAPD later reported that protesters hurled chunks of concrete at officers as tensions escalated.

DHS: Enforcement Will Continue

With President Trump back in office and reaffirming a hardline stance on sanctuary cities, DHS has made its position clear: immigration enforcement is back.

“No city, no activist mayor, and no protest group will stop this mission,” a DHS official said.