Chaos Erupts at Paramount Home Depot

Introduction to the Incident

An hours-long standoff between protesters and federal agents erupted Saturday morning in Paramount as federal officials warned of further immigration raids to come in Los Angeles. The confrontation near a Home Depot at 6400 Alondra Blvd. escalated into a fiery and tumultuous clash. At least one protester was injured, witnesses reported.

The Confrontation Unfolds

Chants of “Fuera ICE” — ICE, get out — could be heard as flash-bang grenades deployed by federal agents lit up the scene. Many of the agents appeared to be from Border Patrol. A Times reporter watched one protester gather a bag of trash and light it on fire in the middle of Alondra Boulevard, half a block from where immigration agents were gathered.

Background on the Raids

The scene followed raids across Los Angeles on Friday that led to the arrests of 44 people on suspicion of immigration violations, and another on suspicion of obstructing justice. “Federal law enforcement operations are proceeding as planned this weekend in Los Angeles County,” U.S. Atty. Bill Essayli said on X as the standoff unfolded. “I urge the public to refrain from interfering with these lawful actions. Anyone who obstructs federal agents will face arrest and prosecution.”

The Protest in Paramount

In Paramount, a city that is 82% Latino, protesters gathered along Alondra Boulevard after reports that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers were targeting people at a Home Depot where day laborers commonly gather in search of work. A group of protesters stationed themselves near the Alondra exit of the 710 Freeway, as a second gathered by the Home Depot.

Response from Local Authorities

Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies arrived on the scene about 11 a.m. The department clarified in a statement that it “was not involved in any federal law enforcement operations or actions,” and was present only to assist with traffic and crowd control. By Saturday afternoon, bright orange shopping carts from Home Depot and a blue recycling bin were scattered across the boulevard. The air was acrid with smoke.

Escalation of the Conflict

Federal agents deployed round after round of flash-bangs and pepper balls. Some of the projectiles struck protesters, witnesses said. One woman among the protest group appeared to be bleeding, and another man was treated for injuries. “There were some individuals around him throwing bricks. One of the windows got shattered and he was knocked unconscious. He seemed in a pretty bad state,” said Nico Thompson-Lleras, an attorney with the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights who witnessed the incident.

Statements from Local Officials

Paramount Mayor Peggy Lemons, who was present at the scene, said she had not learned of any arrests at the Home Depot. She said the confrontation appeared to have started after protesters spotted immigration officers staging in a nearby business plaza where DHS has an office. She encouraged the crowd to stay calm to avoid violence. She said she was told that the Department of Homeland Security was targeting Home Depots across the county in search of undocumented residents. But she has had little communication from federal authorities about their actions in the city she represents, which is about 4.5 square miles and home to about 57,000 people.

Ongoing Tension and Response

Helicopter footage from the scene showed law enforcement vehicles blocking access as they closed the road. Border Patrol agents stood lined up. Sheriff’s deputies set off flash-bangs to clear a freeway exit of protesters. A U.S. Marshals Service bus approaching the location was surrounded by a crowd as it exited the freeway. Protesters kicked the vehicle and pushed back in an attempt to stop it, before another federal vehicle pulled up alongside the bus. An agent appeared to shoot tear gas to push the crowd back.

Federal Response and Warnings

“ICE has brought their terror tactics and masked agents to #Paramount this morning — in my district,” wrote U.S. Rep Nanette D. Barragán, whose district includes Paramount, in a post on X. “This is unacceptable. We will demand answers and accountability. For those out there — please stay safe, protest peacefully, and KNOW YOUR RIGHTS.” Federal officials struck an ominous tone. “Multiple arrests have already been made for obstructing our operations,” FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said on X. “More are coming. We are pouring through the videos for more perpetrators. You bring chaos, and we’ll bring handcuffs.”

Conclusion

The standoff in Paramount reflects the deep-seated tensions and fears within communities regarding immigration policies and enforcement actions. The lack of communication and transparency from federal authorities exacerbates these issues, leading to chaos and fear. It is crucial for all parties involved to seek peaceful resolutions and to respect the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their immigration status.

FAQs

1. What triggered the protest in Paramount?

   • The protest was triggered by the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers at a Home Depot, where day laborers commonly gather, leading to fears of immigration raids.

2. How did federal agents respond to the protest?

   • Federal agents deployed flash-bang grenades and pepper balls, which resulted in injuries to some protesters.

3. What was the response of local authorities to the situation?

   • Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies were present to assist with traffic and crowd control, emphasizing they were not involved in federal law enforcement operations.

4. What are the concerns of local officials regarding the actions of federal authorities?

   • Local officials, such as Paramount Mayor Peggy Lemons, expressed concern over the lack of communication from federal authorities about their actions, which they believe leads to unnecessary chaos and fear.
5. What is the federal response to the obstruction of their operations?
   • Federal officials warned that they would arrest and prosecute anyone obstructing their operations, with the FBI indicating they are reviewing footage to identify more perpetrators.