Recent rumors of an extensive immigration enforcement operation in Los Angeles County have proven largely unfounded, with actual detention numbers falling far below expectations.
Federal detention facilities had prepared for up to 120 new bookings from anticipated immigration raids this weekend. However, by day's end, immigration officials had brought in only 12 people for processing, according to sources familiar with the situation who requested anonymity.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials declined to confirm whether any special operations took place or provide arrest figures. Local law enforcement agencies, including the Los Angeles Police Department and County Sheriff's Department, indicated they had no information or involvement in federal immigration actions.
Throughout the county, social media posts showed unmarked vehicles and officers in vests appearing at residences. In one incident in Alhambra, Felipe Espinoza, a Los Angeles traffic officer, described an early morning visit from federal agents seeking his father-in-law. The agents produced what appeared to be a warrant, though Espinoza noted it lacked an official seal.
Community activist groups mobilized in response to the reported enforcement activities. The Community Self-Defense Coalition monitored operations after spotting Department of Homeland Security vehicles in a Target parking lot and followed agents to residential areas.
The limited scope of Sunday's activities contrasts sharply with widespread community concerns about a major enforcement sweep. While ICE has conducted large-scale operations in other major cities like Chicago and New York, the anticipated extensive operation in Los Angeles appears not to have materialized as expected.
The Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles had called in additional weekend staff to handle the anticipated surge in detentions. However, the facility received far fewer individuals than prepared for, suggesting the operation fell short of projected numbers.
This development comes as Los Angeles's immigrant communities have been bracing for increased enforcement activities following recent policy changes. While some enforcement actions did occur, the scale appears to have been much smaller than rumored.