California, as well as other states, is experiencing numerous raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that are impacting communities and their safety. The raids are taking place in workplaces, grocery stores, neighborhoods, and even schools throughout the state. There is a lot of fear, debate, and activism from those who are in fear for their families, voicing their opinions. Many of these immigrant families are scared to step outside because of these raids that are affecting everyday activities such as going to work, attending school, and basically everyday life.
California is home to millions of immigrants who contribute to the state’s economy, culture, and communities every day. They work in agriculture, construction, caregiving, restaurants, and many other industries that help keep the state running. Yet when ICE raids take place, many people are suddenly forced to choose between going to work and risking detention, or staying home and losing the income their families depend on. These raids don’t just affect undocumented individuals; they impact children, spouses, coworkers, and neighbors who depend on them.
There have been reports in Southern California of arrests of food vendors on the street as ICE is targeting these street vendors throughout cities. In Boyle Heights, a Senior Policy Associate at Inclusive Action for the City states, “Vendors are in a particularly vulnerable situation, given that they have to work outdoors,” Camacho said. “They rely on foot traffic. They rely on busy neighborhoods and streets … This was something intentional that the Department of Homeland Security was doing – targeting vendors that were outside, understanding that many of them are immigrants and many of them are undocumented.” (The Guardian, 2025). When raids occur, businesses may lose workers, and families can suddenly lose a source of income. They have also targeted car washes and other businesses that have Latino employees, and raided Home Depot parking lots where individuals look for work. Federal officials acknowledge agents consider a person’s perceived race, ethnicity, or national origin as key factors in deciding whom to detain (hrw.org, 2025).
The fear surrounding ICE activity has also led to community responses and organizing efforts. In parts of Los Angeles, activists have installed emergency sirens to alert residents about possible immigration enforcement in their neighborhoods. Meanwhile, advocacy groups, legal organizations, and local governments have worked to educate immigrants about their legal rights and provide resources such as “Know Your Rights” workshops and informational materials.
My High School that I attended, did a walkout to protest ICE on January 30, 2026. High school students poured out of their classrooms and through the school gates, walking together down the street with handmade signs and raised voices. Chanting for their families and communities, they protested against immigration raids and called for justice, joining the growing wave of student walkouts across California demanding “ICE out of our communities.”
I have seen ICE vehicles on social media posted throughout my community to warn others that they are in the area and to be careful. I have family members who have to be careful, so they may be at risk of being detained. It is unbelievable to know that this is a problem now that is affecting families, with the risk that they may never come home. There is fear in the younger generation for their parents and family members, that when they come home from school, they may have their parents missing.
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