Tragic Death Follows Immigration Operation At Southern California Home Depot

 

A man who fled during an immigration raid at a Home Depot in Southern California died after running onto a freeway as federal agents conducted their operation, according to local officials.

The incident happened Thursday morning in Monrovia, about 20 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles. City Manager Dylan Feik said the man ran from the store and onto the eastbound 210 Freeway, where he was struck by a vehicle. He was taken to a hospital but did not survive.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) later stated that the individual was “not being pursued by any DHS law enforcement” at the time and that agents did not know his legal status. The agency said it was not aware of the incident until hours after its operation in the area had concluded.

Home Depot stores have increasingly become focal points for immigration raids, as day laborers — both documented and undocumented — often gather there seeking work in construction, painting, roofing, and related trades.

According to California Assemblymember John Harabedian, whose district includes Monrovia, at least 10 people were detained during Thursday’s ICE operation. He described the event as “frightening and chaotic,” adding:

“Raids like this do not make our streets safer – they terrorize families, instill fear, and put lives at risk.”

Home Depot said it was not informed in advance of the ICE operation and is not involved in such activities.

The California Highway Patrol is investigating the man’s death. Authorities have not publicly identified him. The National Day Laborer Organizing Network said it is working to find his family and to support workers who witnessed the raid and its tragic aftermath.