Saturday, June 7, 2025

County Supervisor Barger Calls for Transparency After Friday’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Raids

Board Chair emphasizes need for fairness while supporting law enforcement actions in Los Angeles

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger called for transparency and fairness Friday after federal immigration agents conducted enforcement operations across Los Angeles that resulted in dozens of arrests. Barger represents Pasadena on the Board.

Barger said her office was actively monitoring the situation following the Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions. While she expressed support for law enforcement, she emphasized the need for federal agencies to act with respect for individual rights.

“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 in a statement.

The supervisor said her priority remains “the safety and well-being of all residents of Los Angeles County.”

Federal agents conducted raids at multiple locations Friday, including a Home Depot in the Westlake District and an Ambiance clothing store in the Fashion District near downtown Los Angeles. According to immigrant rights advocates, at least seven raids occurred across the region, with 45 people detained.

The operations sparked confrontations between protesters and federal agents at several locations. David Huerta, president of the Service Employees International Union California, was injured and detained during the enforcement actions, according to union officials.

A Pasadena city spokesperson told Pasadena Now Friday that there no reports of ICE activity in Pasadena.

Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell and County Sheriff Robert Luna both issued statements clarifying that their agencies did not participate in the immigration enforcement operations, citing longstanding policies against involvement in civil immigration matters.

Mayor Karen Bass said she was “deeply angered” by the raids, calling the tactics disruptive to community safety. The operations were part of President Donald Trump’s expanded immigration enforcement efforts.

Homeland Security Investigations confirmed that search warrants were served regarding individuals in the country illegally and anyone harboring them.