Activists in Los Angeles County are escalating their demands for Home Depot to take immediate action against federal immigration operations that have been targeting their parking lots. In a dramatic rally held at the Home Depot on Slauson and Western, dozens of organizations, unions, and faith groups united to condemn the recent surge in ICE raids that have led to the detention of individuals right outside the store.
Videos capturing the chaos have gone viral, showing immigration agents conducting aggressive sweeps, detaining workers and community members, and in some instances, chasing them down in the parking lot. The activists are calling for Home Depot to prohibit all federal immigration agencies from accessing their properties, labeling the ongoing arrests as “kidnappings” and a violation of basic human rights.
“Enough is enough! We demand that Home Depot takes a stand against these inhumane actions,” shouted one protester, echoing the sentiments of many who feel that the company is complicit by allowing federal agents to operate on their premises. The urgency of the situation is underscored by a report revealing that ICE arrests in Los Angeles have surged by 71% compared to last year, with similar spikes noted in cities like Boston and Washington D.C.
In response to the mounting pressure, Home Depot issued a statement claiming they are often unaware of ICE activities until after they occur, and that they comply with all federal and local regulations. However, activists remain undeterred, insisting that the retail giant must take a proactive stance to protect vulnerable communities from these aggressive enforcement actions.
As tensions rise and the community demands accountability, the call for action against ICE raids at Home Depot is becoming a rallying cry for advocates across Southern California. The situation is evolving rapidly, and all eyes are on Home Depot to see how they will respond to the mounting pressure from activists and concerned citizens alike.