Federal agents are set to carry out a “large scale” raid targeting illegal migrants in the Los Angeles area before the end of the month, according to a report.
The operation will be led by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement but is expected to be so large that agents with the FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration’s Los Angeles field offices are being called in to help, a federal law enforcement source told the Los Angeles Times.
“They needed more bodies,” the official said.
The raid will be primarily aimed at rounding up illegal migrants and those with pending orders of removal, according to an internal government document leaked to the outlet.
Sweeping immigration raids have taken place across the country — including in the Big Apple — since President Trump took office, though none have happened thus far in Los Angeles, the outlet said.
Despite the document indicating the raid would happen before March, the federal source acknowledged that plans may change as a result of the “chaotic” nature of the Trump administration and if some agents push back against orders.
“Just because certain information is being given doesn’t mean it’s the administration’s plan, because they know some agents are going to be resistant,” the official said.
ICE’s Los Angeles branch has regularly shared updates on X about arrests, including of a person wanted for murder, an alleged Tren de Aragua gang member and a Mexican national convicted of lewd acts with a child under 14.
FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller declined to comment on the possible upcoming large-scale operation but said the agency has been assisting in immigration operations since the end of January.
“We’re primarily a supportive role for these operations,” she said.
Matthew Allen, who leads the DEA’s Los Angeles office, said his agency would provide support when required as well.
“When asked to support immigration enforcement actions, we will review the capabilities and shift resources as necessary to provide support,” Allen said.
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