Authorities Arrest 8 in Border Patrol Operation at Westlake Home Depot Following Previous Raids

Federal immigration enforcement agents have increasingly focused immigration raids on Home Depot parking lots across Los Angeles, making these locations tense battlegrounds in the ongoing fight over immigration in Southern California. One of the most notable recent raids occurred at a Home Depot in Westlake, Los Angeles, in early August 2025, where Border Patrol agents used a Penske rental truck to conduct a surprise operation dubbed "Operation Trojan Horse."

Operation Trojan Horse: The Westlake Raid

On August 6, 2025, federal agents conducting "Operation Trojan Horse" jumped out of the back of a Penske rental truck at the Home Depot parking lot in Westlake, a key neighborhood in Los Angeles. The raid targeted day laborers who often gather in these parking lots looking for work, resulting in the arrest of 16 undocumented immigrants from countries including Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Nicaragua. The sudden appearance of Border Patrol agents caused chaos among those present, with some fleeing the scene. The use of the rental truck for the operation led to criticism from Penske, which condemned the improper use of their vehicles for transporting people during the raid.

Legal Challenges and Community Response

The Home Depot raids come despite a federal judge's temporary restraining order issued in July 2025, which bars immigration agents from stopping or targeting people based solely on race, language, vocation, or location in seven Southern California counties including Los Angeles. Advocates and city officials, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, have condemned the raids as violations of the restraining order. Bass described the Westlake raid as consistent with previous controversial operations before the court order and vowed to explore all legal options to protect residents. Civil rights groups are investigating the legality of these raids, with lawsuits filed to challenge what they allege are unconstitutional practices by federal immigration enforcement.

The Role of Home Depot Parking Lots in Immigration Enforcement

For decades, Home Depot parking lots in Southern California have served as informal gathering spots for day laborers seeking short-term construction and home repair jobs. These day laborers, many of whom are Latino, play a critical role in Los Angeles’ labor market and ongoing rebuilding efforts, especially in the aftermath of recent wildfires. However, federal agents have increasingly targeted these lots for immigration enforcement raids, viewing them as hotspots to detain undocumented workers. This focus has created a pervasive atmosphere of fear and insecurity among day laborers and communities tied to the labor workforce.

Impact on Workers and Customers

The raids have not only affected day laborers but also Home Depot customers who appear Latino or immigrant. Agents often question these individuals about their immigration status during these operations. The presence of immigration enforcement at these locations disrupts the daily activities of workers and homeowners alike and exemplifies the broader tensions surrounding immigration policy enforcement in Los Angeles. Home Depot itself has asked its employees to report any suspicious immigration enforcement activity on its premises while advising caution for staff safety.

Ongoing Monitoring and Future Legal Proceedings

Attorneys representing those detained in recent raids are investigating whether federal agents presented warrants, the nature of the questioning, and the degree to which detainees felt coerced or unable to leave. Immigrant rights advocates continue to monitor the situation closely and prepare for a preliminary injunction hearing in September aimed at enforcing the restraining order and curbing what they describe as unconstitutional immigration tactics. The issue remains a contentious flashpoint in Los Angeles, highlighting the intersection of immigration enforcement, labor rights, and community safety.

These recent raids at Home Depot and other public places underscore the enduring challenges faced by immigrant communities and the ongoing legal battles over immigration enforcement in sanctuary cities like Los Angeles. The focus on well-known gathering points for day laborers signals both the determination of federal authorities to continue operations despite court orders and the resilience of communities and advocates fighting back.