Thursday, August 7, 2025

Pasadena-Based Immigrant Rights Group Condemns Federal “Trojan Horse” Raid in Los Angeles, Citing Court Order Violation

Pablo Alvarado

A Pasadena-based immigrant rights organization on Wednesday denounced a federal immigration raid in Los Angeles that it says violated a court order and targeted vulnerable workers.

The National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON), headquartered on South Arroyo Parkway in Pasadena, joined the Central American Resource Center of Los Angeles (CARECEN-LA) in condemning the early morning operation outside a Home Depot near MacArthur Park. According to a joint statement from the groups, federal agents concealed inside a Penske moving truck solicited day laborers and street vendors before detaining approximately 16 individuals around 6:40 a.m.

The raid occurred directly in front of CARECEN’s Day Labor Center and was reportedly accompanied by a Fox News camera crew. Both organizations said the tactics used appeared to violate a federal court order recently upheld by the Ninth Circuit, which prohibits indiscriminate immigration stops in Southern California.

“Today’s raid staged by agents in cowboy hats jumping out of a rented van with a TV crew in tow marks a dangerous escalation in the Trump Administration’s assault on immigrant communities, the courts, and the people of Los Angeles,” said Pablo Alvarado, co-executive director of NDLON, in a statement. “The courts have made clear: no agency has the authority to randomly detain and disappear people from the streets.”

Alvarado added that NDLON would pursue legal remedies and continue organizing efforts, including its “Adopt a Corner” campaign and court accompaniment programs. He called for solidarity from the broader community, stating, “Only the people save the people. Solo el pueblo salva al pueblo.”

Martha Arevalo, executive director of CARECEN-LA, said her team witnessed the raid and described it as harassment and criminalization of workers. “These day laborers and street vendors are a symbol of dignity through hard work,” Arevalo said. “This morning’s actions reflect a disturbing pattern of intimidation against the immigrant community and people simply trying to survive.”

In response to the raid, community organizations planned a vigil and protest at 5 p.m. Wednesday at 631 S. Union Ave. in Los Angeles.

NDLON, while part of a national network, maintains a strong presence in Pasadena, including its operation of the Pasadena Community Job Center on North Lake Avenue.