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Immigration enforcement tactics
Immigrant communities in the U.S. are experiencing a growing sense of fear as masked federal agents, with no visible IDs, have been detaining immigrants in Los Angeles in a sweeping escalation of federal immigration enforcement that has prompted legal challenges and mass protests across America. Local officials and advocates are calling the crackdown unconstitutional—and a test of the nation’s democratic values.
The developments were the focus of a June 27 American Community Media (ACom) briefing that brought together legal experts, political leaders, and community advocates to examine the state’s response and avenues for effective resistance.
“We’ve never seen anything like this,” said Jeannette Zanipatin, Director of Policy and Advocacy at the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA). “People are being arrested outside courthouses, at USCIS check-ins, and even during routine interviews— often without warrants, and sometimes without knowing who is arresting them.”
Zanipatin, an immigration attorney, noted that many of those detained have no criminal records. “This is racial profiling, plain and simple,” she said. “And it’s impacting all immigrant communities—Latino, Black, Asian, and more.”
Intimidation in LA
California, long a stronghold of progressive immigration policy, has become the epicenter of federal enforcement. Former Los Angeles mayor, Antonio Villaraigosa, who served from 2005 to 2013 and is now running for governor, condemned these tactics.
“This is not law enforcement. This is intimidation,” Villaraigosa said. “We’re seeing people in fatigues, flash-bang grenades, and masked agents dragging away gardeners, nannies, and even U.S. citizens.”
Villaraigosa, a Assembly Speaker, recalled historical parallels to the 1930s repatriation campaigns and 1950s Operation Wetback, both of which resulted in the deportation of American citizens. “But even then,” he said, “You didn’t see agents refusing to identify themselves. This is something out of a totalitarian regime.”
California Attorney General Rob Bonta confirmed that the state has filed 26 lawsuits in 23 weeks against the Trump administration’s actions.
“We are the first and last line of defense,” Bonta said. “No one is above the law—not even the president.”
Expanding protections
Bonta has led efforts to ban private prisons and expand protections for immigrant families. He also addressed the Supreme Court’s recent decision limiting nationwide injunctions, which could hinder states’ ability to block federal overreach.
“We believe birthright citizenship is clearly protected by the Constitution,” Bonta said. “And we will continue to fight for it—in court, in Congress, and in the streets.”
Negative impacts
Dr. Henry Brady, professor and former dean at UC Berkeley’s Goldman School of Public Policy, warned that the crackdown could cost California up to $275 billion, citing impacts on agriculture, healthcare, construction, and higher education.
“This is economic vandalism,” Brady said. “We’re not just hurting immigrants. We’re sabotaging the state’s future.”
Brady, an expert in political participation and public policy, noted that California’s inclusive model, which supports undocumented students and immigrant workers, stands in stark contrast to the Trump administration’s agenda.
“We are the anti-MAGA model,” he said. “And that’s why we’re being targeted.”
Citizens at risk
CHIRLA reports that entire neighborhoods in Los Angeles have emptied out, with residents too afraid to leave their homes. U.S. citizens are reportedly carrying passports and birth certificates to avoid wrongful detention.
“We’ve seen three U.S. citizens arrested in the last week alone,” Zanipatin said. “This is not just about immigration. It’s about civil rights.”
She also raised concerns about the identity of the agents conducting the raids. “They’re not wearing badges. They’re switching license plates. Some may be deputized from out of state. Others, we just don’t know.”
An American resistance
Despite the fear, the speakers emphasized the importance of peaceful resistance, legal advocacy, and public awareness.
“We need people power,” said Villaraigosa. “This is a moment for Americans, of all backgrounds, to stand up for what’s right.”
Bonta echoed that sentiment, pledging continued legal action and support for journalists and community organizations.
“We will do everything we can to protect your right to report, to organize, and to live without fear,” he said. “This is not just a California fight. It’s an American one.”