An immigration raid at a Pomona, California, Home Depot led to the detention of 10 undocumented immigrants, sparking fear and altering the behavior of day laborers who now avoid places they perceive as 'soft targets' for apprehension. The raid, which targeted one individual with an active arrest warrant, inadvertently swept up others, highlighting the collateral nature of such operations. This incident reflects a broader crackdown on undocumented immigrants under President Trump's administration, with day laborers becoming more cautious about seeking work in common gathering spots. The impact of these raids extends beyond the individuals detained, affecting their families and communities, as well as the local economy that relies on their labor. Advocacy groups urge day laborers to know their rights and emphasize that seeking work is not a crime, while charities encounter reduced traffic as fear of further raids grows.

The raid at the Pomona Home Depot was initially targeting one person but resulted in the detention of 10 undocumented immigrants, causing fear and behavioral changes among day laborers who now avoid places where they could be easily apprehended.

Day laborers, often undocumented, gather in locations like Home Depot parking lots to find work, but recent immigration enforcement actions have made them wary of these spots, impacting their ability to earn a living and support their families.

The Trump administration's immigration policies have led to a significant increase in arrests of undocumented individuals, with more than 66,000 detained in Trump's first 100 days, nearly half the total for the entire 2024 fiscal year.

Day laborer advocates argue that these raids, while not new, have become more aggressive, with a focus on collateral arrests that target individuals beyond the initial warrant, creating a climate of fear and uncertainty among immigrants.

The Pomona raid is seen as part of a broader strategy that seeks to intimidate undocumented workers, affecting both their personal lives and the local economy that depends on their labor, leading to fewer day laborers showing up at traditional work sites.

Advocacy groups stress the importance of knowing one's rights during such encounters, advising individuals to remain silent and request legal counsel if detained, as they emphasize that working as a day laborer is not illegal.

Charities and organizations like Catholic Charities of Los Angeles face challenges in maintaining safe spaces for day laborers to connect with employers, as fear of raids leads to decreased attendance and lost work opportunities.