As Los Angeles remains gripped by tension following a surge of ICE raids ordered by President Donald Trump, mass protests have erupted throughout the city.
The raids began on June 6 when ICE agents searched multiple locations, including a clothing warehouse in the Fashion District and two Home Depot stores, arresting numerous immigrants without judicial warrants, according to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
Protests escalated dramatically after Trump ordered the deployment of at least 2,000 National Guard troops to the city. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth further suggested deploying up to 500 Marines, sparking backlash from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who called the move “purposefully inflammatory.”
These recent events have underscored the importance of knowing your rights. An Australian news reporter was injured by a rubber bullet, highlighting the dangerous environment for those involved or reporting on the protests.
The American Civil Liberties Union and other advocacy groups have mobilized legal teams and volunteers across the city, providing rapid response support and sharing legal information online. The ACLU announced a rally and press event on June 9 to demand the release of those detained, including SEIU leader David Huerta, and to call for humane treatment and legal access for all immigrants in custody.
Social media has played a pivotal role in disseminating critical information. Immigration attorney Sam’s viral TikTok videos, viewed over 500,000 times, remind residents, “ICE needs a judicial warrant to enter your home. Always calmly ask to see it first.”
@immigration_attorney_sam I know this is going to pi$$ off a lot of ppl but I don’t make the laws. #immigration #immigrationlawyer #immigrationattorney #uscis #ice #warrant #immigrationcourt ♬ original sound – Immigration Attorney Saman
Additionally, NorCal Resist’s widely shared Instagram Reel emphasizes the importance of community action, stating, “Use verified hotline services to confirm ICE presence and get immediate legal support.”
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Essential rights everyone should know:
- At Home: ICE agents must have a judicial warrant—ask clearly to see it before allowing entry.
- Public Encounters: You have the right to remain silent. Calmly ask, “Am I free to go?”
- Recording: Filming ICE or police officers from a safe distance is legal, provided you don’t obstruct operations.
- Detention: Do not sign any documents without legal counsel present; request a lawyer immediately.
It’s also important to have an emergency plan in place. Keep copies of important documents accessible, know local hotlines, and communicate with trusted family or friends who can advocate for you in case of detention.
The protests, which have included union leaders like David Huerta among those detained, continue without signs of abating. As Trump officials signal further enforcement measures, local communities are bracing for more raids and resisting with coordinated legal and grassroots responses.
