In early August, Border Patrol agents conducted “Operation Trojan Horse” at a Home Depot in Los Angeles’ Westlake neighborhood, detaining up to 16 suspected illegal immigrants who had agreed to perform under-the-table work for undercover agents. The operation involved agents hiding in a rental truck and apprehending individuals outside the store, sparking controversy and criticism. Advocates like Jorge-Mario Cabrera from CHIRLA condemned the raid as “disturbing” and “lawless,” citing a recent court ruling limiting federal immigration enforcement tactics and framing the operation as an assault on workers seeking honest employment.

Despite the backlash and ongoing lawsuits challenging immigration enforcement practices, the Justice Department reaffirmed its commitment to uphold federal immigration laws. Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli emphasized that state court orders and sanctuary policies will not prevent federal agents from enforcing immigration laws in Southern California, underscoring that immigration enforcement remains a priority and is “not negotiable.”