DHS: 8 Arrested in Immigration Raid at Westlake District Home Depot

In the early morning hours of August 28, 2025, federal immigration agents conducted another high-profile raid at the Home Depot in Los Angeles’ Westlake District, resulting in eight arrests. The operation, which took place near the CARECEN Day Labor Center adjacent to the store, was yet another in a series of immigration enforcement actions targeting the area over the summer. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that three of those arrested had significant criminal histories, including offenses such as visa overstay, possession of controlled substances, grand theft, and at least one individual with a final deportation order.

A Scene of Chaos and Fear

Eyewitnesses at the scene described a chaotic environment as agents in tactical gear and unmarked vehicles quickly swooped in. Joshua Erazo, an employee at the day labor center, described people running frantically, tripping, and desperately seeking safety during the operation. Tear gas canisters were reportedly used to disperse crowds, startling bystanders, many of whom were simply going about their daily routines.

One man who spoke with local news in Spanish shared how someone shouted “ICE is here!” before agents began quickly detaining individuals. According to witnesses, the agents did not present warrants or specify whom they were targeting, leading to concerns that people were being indiscriminately grabbed largely based on appearances or association with the labor center.

The Location and History of Raids

The Westlake Home Depot has been a frequent focal point for immigration raids for several months, with at least three operations conducted in the last quarter. The CARECEN Day Labor Center, a community resource hub serving Latino day laborers and street vendors, sits right next to the Home Depot and has indirectly become a hotspot for enforcement activity.

Past raids at this and similar locations have drawn criticism for their aggressive nature and potential violation of recently issued court orders restricting immigration enforcement practices that rely on racial profiling or stereotyping based on appearance, language, or occupation.

Community and Advocacy Group Responses

Local advocates expressed deep concern and frustration over the raid, describing it as an act of terror targeting vulnerable Latino workers. The Los Angeles Rapid Response Network, convened by the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, condemned the operation for its “warrantless, racist sweep” and raised alarms about the use of excessive force.

The network also pointed out that the raid occurred despite a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) issued in July intended to shield undocumented immigrants from discriminatory enforcement tactics. The group called for an investigation into what they characterized as a blatant disregard for legal protections and community safety standards.

Federal Justifications and Political Context

The DHS defended the raid as a necessary part of ongoing efforts to combat crime and protect national security. Trump White House border czar Tom Homan highlighted that a majority of those apprehended have criminal records or represent threats to national security, framing immigration enforcement as focused on public safety rather than targeting based on race or employment.

The homemade “Operation Trojan Horse” earlier in August, in which agents emerged from a rental truck to conduct a swift raid at the same location, intensified scrutiny over federal tactics. DHS emphasized that actions were intelligence-driven and legally compliant, even as local leaders pushed back, citing concerns about civil rights violations.

The Human Toll of Immigration Raids

Day laborers and community members repeatedly emphasized the human impact of such operations. For many, these enforcement actions create an atmosphere of fear and instability, threatening livelihoods and community cohesion. Witnesses described workers being taken arbitrarily while trying to earn a living, highlighting the precariousness faced by many immigrant families.

The ongoing enforcement campaign in Los Angeles and similar “sanctuary cities” signals a broader federal strategy of intensified immigration crackdown, affecting thousands of lives. Meanwhile, calls for careful balance between enforcing laws and respecting human dignity continue to shape public discourse.