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Relentless immigration raids are changing California's way of life

July 18, 2025

The recent immigration raids across Southern California have caused widespread disruption and fear, particularly following an incident where Jaime Alanis died after falling while hiding from agents at a cannabis farm. These intensified immigration operations, which began in June, prompted President Trump to deploy National Guard and Marines to ensure deportations continued despite growing protests. The enforcement actions have dramatically altered daily life in the region, with an estimated 1.

Who is affected

  • Undocumented immigrants in Southern California (estimated 1.4 million)
  • Immigrant families and children (including 14 migrant children "rescued" during cannabis farm raids)
  • Business owners whose establishments are shuttering due to lack of customers
  • Community members experiencing canceled events (including Fourth of July celebrations)
  • Asylum seekers attending court hearings who are being detained
  • Local residents and citizens affected by the changed atmosphere in their communities

What action is being taken

  • Immigration agents are conducting raids across Southern California, including at cannabis farms
  • President Trump has deployed National Guard and US Marines to protect federal officers
  • Churches and immigrant rights groups are organizing food delivery for people in hiding
  • Activists are using apps, text chains and social media to alert people when federal agents are nearby
  • Protesters are gathering to oppose the raids, including LA Mayor Karen Bass
  • Cities in LA County are canceling public summer events due to ongoing immigration enforcement

Why it matters

  • The raids have altered daily life in one of the country's most populous regions
  • The operation at cannabis farms is being described as the largest immigration operation since Trump took office
  • The enforcement approach has divided communities between those supporting and opposing the measures
  • Businesses are suffering economic impacts as people stay home out of fear
  • The administration's approach contradicts "sanctuary" policies established in California
  • Even immigrants with court hearings are afraid to appear, disrupting legal processes
  • The tactics are described by administration officials as deliberate pressure on "sanctuary cities"

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC