The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) carried out a raid on a farm producing agricultural products in Oxnard, California, as part of a series of operations targeting undocumented workers in various labor sectors across the country.
President Trump is going to "clean up" the lawless California of Gavin Newsom, whether Gavin Newsom likes it or not, wrote Kevin Dalton on social media X before announcing the related actions of the ICE agents.
The actions in California coincide with a broad federal initiative that has included recent raids at construction and landscaping sites in Wildwood, Florida, where ICE apprehended more than two dozen immigrants, many of whom had prior deportation orders.
These operations have been organized in conjunction with agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), HSI Tampa, ERO Miami, and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
Massive raids generate panic and protests
The arrests have generated panic among immigrant workers and have sparked a new wave of protests across the country, from Tampa to Los Angeles, where activists are denouncing what they view as a policy of "persecution and criminalization of vulnerable communities."
In Tampa, groups like Occupy Florida, Resistance Support, and Voices of Florida led a demonstration in front of City Hall, demanding an immediate end to mass raids and deportations.
The main slogan was clear: "No more ICE raids. Not in Florida. Not anywhere."
Escalation amid political tension
Meanwhile, the situation in Los Angeles has escalated dramatically. More than 1,700 National Guard troops and 700 Marines have been deployed following last Friday's raids, in an attempt to contain protests that have resulted in clashes, looting, and tensions with the police.
The governor of California, Gavin Newsom, harshly criticized President Donald Trump for ordering the military deployment without his consent, calling the move “illegal and unnecessary” and accusing him of “deliberately escalating the situation for political purposes.”
ICE's recent actions are part of a broader offensive. Civil rights organizations, immigration attorneys, and activists are warning about the devastating impact these raids have on working communities that, despite their immigration status, support key sectors of the U.S. economy.
Frequently Asked Questions about ICE Raids in the United States
What motivated the recent ICE raid in California?
The raid was part of a series of operations aimed at undocumented workers in various labor sectors across the country. These operations have been organized in collaboration with various federal and state agencies. President Trump aims, according to his statements, to "clean" California of undocumented immigrants.
How have communities and activists reacted to these raids?
Raids have generated panic among immigrant workers and have sparked a new wave of protests across the country. Activists denounce what they consider a policy of "persecution and criminalization of vulnerable communities". In cities like Tampa and Los Angeles, demonstrations have been organized calling for an end to these actions.
What impact do these raids have on the local economy?
Raids directly affect local businesses, increasing labor precariousness and undermining the stability of entire communities. Sectors such as construction and the maintenance of public spaces heavily rely on immigrant labor, and their absence creates a shortage of workers.
What has been the response of the California government to the federal military deployment?
The governor of California, Gavin Newsom, harshly criticized President Donald Trump for ordering the military deployment without his consent. Newsom described the measure as "illegal and unnecessary" and accused the president of "deliberately escalating the situation for political purposes."
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