Pasadena’s Elected Representatives Condemn Los Angeles Immigration Raids, Demand Accountability

A number of Pasadena-area elected state and federal officials strongly condemned federal immigration raids conducted across Los Angeles County in recent days, one calling the enforcement operations a “reign of terror” and several demanding the release of an injured union leader arrested during protests.

The reactions came after Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted raids Friday morning at multiple Los Angeles locations, arresting approximately 44 people. The operations sparked two days of protests that led to numerous arrests by the Sheriff’s Department and LAPD, and prompted the White House to deploy 2,000 National Guard troops Saturday night.

“The reign of terror and merciless attacks on our immigrant communities by the Trump Administration must stop,” said State Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez, D-Pasadena.

Pérez demanded the release of a prominent Southland union leader who was injured and arrested as he reportedly observed ICE operations.

“I call for the immediate release from custody of Service Employees International Union President David Huerta who was harmed and arrested while protesting,” Pérez said. “Tearing families apart and demonstrating brute force against those who resist this tyrannical behavior only proves that this administration has no boundaries it won’t cross.”

Rep. Judy Chu, D-Pasadena, called the federal enforcement actions “unlawful and cruel.”

“I am outraged at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids in downtown Los Angeles that not only targeted immigrant workers and spread fear throughout our community, but also attempted to silence those who dare to speak out,” Chu said Saturday.

“It is clear that Service Employees International Union President David Huerta was exercising his right to observe law enforcement activity and stand with the community in peaceful protest to these raids,” Chu added. “I will not allow this administration to tear apart families and terrorize neighborhoods.”

Pasadena Assembymemer John Harabedian said he stood with “with community leaders, labor organizers, and immigrant rights advocates to condemn the ICE raids that shook Los Angeles. Dozens were detained. Families were terrorized… We will not stay silent while our neighbors are targeted and our values are violated.”

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger took a measured tone.

“While I fully support the enforcement of our nation’s laws, I also believe it is essential that actions taken by federal agencies are conducted with transparency, fairness, and respect for the rights and dignity of all individuals,” Barger said.

The raids began Friday morning at locations including a Home Depot in the Westlake District and clothing stores in the Fashion District.

Los Angeles police declared unlawful assemblies Friday and Saturday evenings. Saturday’s protests centered around a Department of Homeland Security staging area in Paramount, where demonstrators clashed with federal agents and authorities used tear gas.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom criticized the Guard deployment, calling it “purposefully inflammatory.”

As of early Sunday morning, a Pasadena city spokesperson said, there were no known ICE activities in Pasadena.