Introduction to the Protests
Protesters targeted several Southern California hotels Wednesday night and early Thursday after word spread that federal agents were housed at the establishments.
There was no confirmation that agents who have been conducting what President Donald Trump has promised will be the most extensive deportation campaign in U.S. history were actually staying any of the hotels targeted by protesters in Whittier, Pasadena and Downey.
Protests Across Southern California
A noisy protest at the DoubleTree at 7320 Greenleaf Ave. in Whittier lasted until about 2 a.m. Thursday, according to a report from the scene. Some vehicles thought be those of agents were spray-painted with expletives, as were some exterior walls of the hotel. The Embassy Suites at 8425 Firestone Blvd. in Downey was one of the hotels targeted by anti-ICE protesters on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. (Google Street View)
The Westin at 191 N. Los Robles Ave. in Pasadena is one of the hotels targeted by anti-ICE protesters on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. (Google Street View)
Other Targeted Hotels
Other targeted hotels were the Westin at 191 N. Robles Ave. in Pasadena and the Embassy Suites at 8425 Firestone Blvd. in Downey, according to KNX, which reported that some of the protesters were detained by police, who were backed by Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies and other area law enforcement agencies providing mutual aid.
Challenges in Keeping Secrets
A substantial percentage of hotel workers are members of immigrant communities, potentially making it difficult to keep secret the housing arrangements of agents brought in from outside Southern California to conduct immigration sweeps aimed at deporting immigrants who entered or remained in the U.S. illegally.
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Conclusion
The protests at hotels in Whittier, Pasadena, and Downey are a reflection of the strong feelings and tensions surrounding the issue of immigration in the United States. The fact that protesters were able to target hotels where ICE agents were thought to be staying highlights the challenges of keeping such information secret, especially in communities with strong ties to immigrant populations.
FAQs
Q: What sparked the protests at the hotels in Southern California?
A: The protests were sparked by the belief that federal agents were housed at the establishments, although there was no confirmation of this.
Q: Which hotels were targeted by protesters?
A: The DoubleTree in Whittier, the Westin in Pasadena, and the Embassy Suites in Downey were among the hotels targeted by protesters.
Q: Were there any arrests or detentions during the protests?
A: Yes, according to reports, some protesters were detained by police.
Q: What is the context of the protests?
A: The protests are part of a larger movement against immigration raids and deportations in the United States, which have been promised to be the most extensive in U.S. history by President Donald Trump.
