An hour-long standoff between protesters and U.S. immigration and customs law enforcement officers broke out on Saturday morning at a Home Depot in Paramount as federal officials warned further immigration raids were underway in Los Angeles.
Confrontation near Home Depot of the Alondra Blvd 6400. escalated into a fierce and turbulent conflict. ABC-7 reported that at least one person was injured.
When the flash grenade ignites the scene, the ode to “fuera ice” can be heard – ice, get out. It is not clear who deployed the weapons. The Times reporter watched a protester collect a bag of trash and lit the garbage in the middle of Alondra Boulevard, half a block away from the collection of immigrant agents.
This led to 44 people suspected of violating immigration while another person suspected of obstructing justice after a raid in Los Angeles on Friday.
“Federal law enforcement operations are being carried out as planned in Los Angeles County this weekend,” we Atty. As the standoff unfolds, Bill Essayli said on X. “I urge the public not to interfere with these legal actions. Anyone who hinders federal agents will face arrest and prosecution.”
In Paramount, a Latino city with 82% land, protesters gathered on Alondra Boulevard after reports that immigration officials targeted the Home Depot where New York workers usually gathered there for jobs.
A group of protesters were stationed near the Alondra exit of Highway 710 and gathered on Home Depot for the second time.
“This morning in my area, the ice brought their horror tactics and masked agents to #Paramount,” wrote our representative Nanette D. Barragán, whose area includes Paramount, in an article on X. “This is unacceptable. We will ask for answers and accountability. Provide safety for people there, please stay safe, stay safe, protest peace and understand your rights.”
By Saturday afternoon, the bright orange cart at Home Depot and a blue recycling bin were scattered along the boulevard. The air was filled with smoke.
Helicopter videos at the scene showed law enforcement vehicles blocking access while closing the road. The Border Patrol stood in line.
Protesters stood in front of the vehicle and tried to stop it as a white bus approaching the scene with the US Marshal service mark.
Protesters burned the American flag and others began lining the boulevard with large cement bricks.
Federal officials put forward an ominous tone.
“We have been in a way that has hindered our business,” FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said on X.
