The U.S. Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have made significant progress in Los Angeles, arresting 5,000 illegal aliens since June. This milestone was marked by the arrest of Gustavo Garcia-Miranda, a convicted drug trafficker from Mexico who entered the U.S. illegally in 2008. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized that this is just the beginning of their efforts.
Noem stated that the arrests include not just illegal immigrants, but also gang members, child predators, and murderers. She expressed gratitude to law enforcement for their work, insisting that the government will continue to find and deport those living in the country illegally. “If you are here illegally, we will find you, arrest you, and send you back,” she warned.
These arrests have sparked controversy, especially among lawmakers and politicians in California who support sanctuary city policies. Protests erupted in Los Angeles, with some demonstrators clashing violently with law enforcement. Video footage showed rioters throwing bricks and Molotov cocktails at police vehicles, prompting President Trump to deploy 4,000 National Guard members and additional Marines to restore order.
Despite the protests, ICE and Border Patrol have remained focused on their mission, with Noem asserting that such disruptions will not hinder their operations. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has made it clear that they will continue to enforce immigration laws and prosecute anyone who attacks law enforcement.
In a related development, a judge recently ruled against Trump’s efforts to cut federal funding to sanctuary cities, including Los Angeles. The president has been vocal about his opposition to these policies, arguing that they protect criminals rather than victims.
The crackdown in Los Angeles comes amid a broader federal enforcement operation, which has seen numerous arrests across the country. In Washington, D.C., for example, officials reported making dozens of arrests each night since early August, including individuals with serious criminal backgrounds.
As the situation unfolds, the DHS remains committed to its goal of enhancing public safety by removing illegal immigrants from communities.
