One year ago, masked men fanned out across LA, grabbing people and throwing them into unmarked cars — sparking fear, anger and a desperate need for answers.
The raids affected our neighbors, friends, youth reporters, readers and families. We all had questions about safety, resources and what would happen next. So our newsroom laid out an approach to coverage guided by our values and cognizant that, as a part of this community ourselves, we were processing this trauma as well.
Over the past year, we’ve reported on raids, rapid response efforts and school walkouts. We’ve interviewed an undocumented mother who put herself at risk to patrol outside her children’s school. We talked to organizers, teachers, street vendors and small business owners who were making difficult decisions every day.
Along the way, your tips, trust and donations made our work possible. And you helped shape our work. When you told us mental health support was what was needed most, we met that need with resources and a special event. When fear of raids kept some of you home, we pivoted to distribute printed resources and create a YouTube series, bringing Spanish-speaking immigration lawyers to you.
Yes, it was a year of fear, but it was also about community solidarity, care and strength.
And it’s not over: People are still being taken, and LA is still dealing with the impacts. That’s what this week’s coverage is about.
One year after ICE raids, community groups say these needs remain urgent
More attorneys and mutual aid are crucial, advocates say.
Foot traffic to small businesses plunged after last year’s ICE raids. Owners say it never really came back
A year after immigration enforcement raids exploded in LA, many small businesses are still in recovery mode as even a rumor of ICE activity can make customers rethink casual shopping trips.
After ICE raids shake a neighborhood, community care becomes its own form of resistance
From sharing food to helping out with rent, volunteers and community organizers are stepping up for their immigrant neighbors long after masked agents are gone.
‘Solo el pueblo salva al pueblo’: A poem one year after ICE raids
Spoken word poet Xavi Moreno and artist Pepe Te Adoro reflect on a year of ICE raids and the ways the Eastside chose to care for each other.
Your rights, your community: Resources for immigrant families
From restaurant workers to street vendors, students to small business owners — this guide is a reminder that our city still cares for you.
Ask a lawyer: Your immigration questions, answered
How can parents keep their children safe if they’re deported? Are you concerned about attending a protest?
Quinceañeras in a climate of fear
In Los Angeles, concern over immigration enforcement is shaping how families plan quinceañeras.
Vickie Castro helped lead the East LA Walkouts. She sees parallels in today’s student activism
Castro spoke with a student reporter about organizing protests, confronting sexism in the movement and what she sees in today’s student activism.
