ICE Plans Major Immigration Operation in L.A. Before March

Federal document reveals multiple agencies joining forces for sweeping enforcement action

A large-scale immigration enforcement operation is set to unfold across Los Angeles before February ends, signaling a significant escalation in federal activity in the region.

An internal government document details plans for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to target individuals without legal status and those with pending removal orders. The operation marks a notable shift for L.A., which faced repeated criticism during Trump’s presidential campaigns but has yet to see major enforcement actions, as the L.A. Times reports.

The scale of the planned operation has prompted ICE to call in reinforcements from other federal agencies. Two federal law enforcement sources, speaking anonymously to protect themselves from retaliation, confirmed that FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration agents from L.A. field offices will provide support.

“They needed more bodies,” a federal official said.

Federal agencies haven’t waited for this upcoming action to begin their collaborative efforts. The DEA’s L.A. office shared on X about participating in immigration enforcement, while ATF spokesperson Ginger Colbrun confirmed their agency has supported Department of Homeland Security operations in Southern California since January 26.

The timing remains fluid. One federal source noted plans might change, citing both the “chaotic” nature of the Trump administration’s early weeks and anticipated resistance from within participating agencies.

“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 source explained.

Meanwhile, L.A.’s streets have filled with protesters opposing Trump’s mass deportation strategy. Recent demonstrations led to a 101 Freeway blockade, and tensions peaked with a stabbing near Spring Street on Friday afternoon.

ICE’s Enforcement Removal Operations in L.A. maintains an active presence on X, posting about recent arrests, including a Mexican national convicted of lewd acts with a minor, a murder suspect wanted in Mexico, a DUI convict, and an alleged Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang member.

FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller, while declining to discuss specifics of the upcoming operation, acknowledged the bureau’s supporting role in immigration operations since late January.

Tom Homan, Trump’s “border czar,” addressed operational security concerns on Fox News after a similar action in Aurora, Colorado, faced information leaks. “This is not a game,” Homan said. “To have this type of interference puts our officers at great risk.”