Report Highlights LA County Neighborhoods Vulnerable to ICE Activity

Lawmakers and local businesses raise concerns over economic impact of immigration enforcement in some communities.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A new report from the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation has identified neighborhoods in LA County that are most vulnerable to ICE activity and immigration enforcement. The report cites factors like the share of Spanish-speaking households, renters, and past incidents of immigration enforcement to flag areas like Bell, Huntington Park, and Maywood as hot spots. Local lawmakers and business owners say the increased ICE presence has taken an economic toll on these communities, with some residents too afraid to go out and support local businesses.

Why it matters

The report comes as funding for the Department of Homeland Security is set to expire, with some Democrats saying they won't approve more funding until they see changes to federal immigration operations. The findings highlight the real-world impact that aggressive immigration enforcement can have on local communities, raising questions about the balance between public safety and civil liberties.

The details

The report by the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation looked at several factors, including the share of Spanish-speaking households, renters, and past incidents of immigration enforcement activity, to identify areas most targeted by ICE. Some of the cities highlighted as hot spots include Bell, Huntington Park, and Maywood. Local business owners in these neighborhoods say they've seen a significant economic impact, with fewer customers coming out due to fear of immigration raids. Lawmakers like U.S. Rep. Robert Garcia, who represents parts of Southeast LA, are trying to provide resources and information to residents about their rights.

  • The report was released as funding for the Department of Homeland Security is set to expire at midnight on Friday, February 14, 2026.
  • ICE raids and federal immigration enforcement activity in LA County have been ongoing since last summer.

The players

Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation

The organization that released the report identifying neighborhoods in LA County most vulnerable to ICE activity and immigration enforcement.

U.S. Rep. Robert Garcia

The Democratic Congressman representing California's 42nd district, which includes the cities of Bell, Huntington Park, and Maywood that were flagged in the report as hot spots for ICE activity.

Sen. Katie Britt

The Republican Senator from Alabama who criticized the use of ICE as a "political weapon" while other DHS agencies suffer during a potential government shutdown.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“You see them all the time right here, up and down right here.”

— Local business manager

“It's been very slow, people don't want to come out, they're scared.”

— Local business manager

“People are going door-to-door, they are knocking doors down in Huntington Park, they're picking people from Home Depots that are working hard.”

— U.S. Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Long Beach

“We're trying to provide resources, we're also letting folks know they have rights, they shouldn't be opening their door.”

— U.S. Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Long Beach

“So that you can posture politically? I'm over it. I have reports of TSA agents sleeping in their car.”

— Sen. Katie Britt, (R) Alabama

What’s next

With funding for the Department of Homeland Security set to expire on Friday, lawmakers will need to reach an agreement on continued funding and any potential changes to federal immigration enforcement operations.

The takeaway

This report highlights the real-world impact that aggressive immigration enforcement can have on local communities, with businesses and residents in certain neighborhoods of LA County feeling the economic strain. As the debate over DHS funding and immigration policy continues in Washington, these findings underscore the need to balance public safety concerns with protecting civil liberties and supporting vulnerable communities.