ICE Targets Street Vendor in Los Angeles Neighborhood

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Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have been observed conducting enforcement actions in multiple locations across Southern California in recent days, including targeting a street vendor in the Santee Alley area of Los Angeles. The increased ICE presence comes after the confirmation of a new Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Markwayne Mullin, and has sparked concern within local communities.

Why it matters

The reported ICE activity, particularly in public spaces and near release points for detainees, suggests a shift in enforcement strategy that could be intended to maximize visibility and potentially deter individuals from remaining in the country without authorization. This has raised concerns about the impact on immigrant communities and the role of local observation and information sharing in ensuring transparency and accountability.

The details

Over the March 21-22 weekend, ICE was observed in multiple locations including Dana Point, Santa Maria, Santa Paula, Fillmore, San Luis Obispo, and Carpinteria. On March 23, ICE agents were reported to have taken at least two people into custody during check-ins at an ISAP office in Downtown Los Angeles and targeted a food vendor on 11th St and Maple Ave. Additional scouting activity was reported in Chula Vista, National City, and Indio, where a young woman was taken into custody. ICE agents were also confirmed at Los Angeles International Airport on March 23, arriving in vehicles with no license plates.

• Over the weekend of March 21-22, 2026, ICE was observed in multiple locations across Southern California.
• On Monday, March 23, 2026, ICE agents took at least two people into custody during check-ins at an ISAP office in Downtown Los Angeles and targeted a food vendor on 11th St and Maple Ave.