A Surge of Solidarity: How Community Patrols are Responding to ICE Raids in Los Angeles
Across Los Angeles, a remarkable shift is underway. As federal immigration enforcement intensifies, a growing and increasingly diverse coalition of volunteers is taking to the streets to monitor and resist ICE actions. What began as a grassroots effort led by organizations like Unión del Barrio is now attracting support from a broader demographic, signaling a potent wave of community self-defense.
From Koreatown to Boyle Heights: Expanding the Network
Traditionally focused in South Los Angeles, Unión del Barrio’s reach is expanding rapidly. Patrols now extend to Boyle Heights, Long Beach, the San Fernando Valley, Beverly Hills, and even Brentwood. Ron Gochez, leader of Unión del Barrio, states, “We have eyes and ears everywhere…You’ll see thousands of people patrolling in the greater L.A. Area.” This expansion is fueled by a surge in volunteers, driven in part by increased ICE activity and a desire to protect vulnerable communities.
Areas like Westlake, identified in a county-sponsored study as particularly vulnerable to ICE raids due to its dense immigrant population and high percentage of renters, are seeing increased attention from these patrols. Residents near Koreatown and Pico Union have also reported a sharp increase in enforcement activity in recent months.
A Diverse Coalition Steps Up
What’s particularly striking is the changing face of the volunteer base. Gochez notes a significant increase in participation from individuals who haven’t traditionally been involved in activist work. “We have senior citizen retirees showing up saying, ‘I’m an old white woman — how can I aid?’ We have students from community colleges and universities…It’s solidarity being shown by Angelenos of all shapes, sizes, colors and ages.” For the first time, recent training sessions have seen white volunteers forming the majority.
This surge in support isn’t limited to Unión del Barrio. Organizations like the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) and the Immigrant Defenders Law Center are also reporting a spike in volunteers, donations, and attendance at “Grasp Your Rights” workshops.
Responding to Escalation: The Impact of Recent Events
The increased activism appears to be a direct response to perceived escalation in federal enforcement tactics. The shooting death of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis in late January served as a catalyst, drawing approximately 400 people to a Unión del Barrio training session the following day. A subsequent Zoom training for educators was capped at 1,000 participants due to platform limitations. A similar event in Pasadena drew nearly 800 volunteers, exceeding organizers’ expectations.
Gochez believes the administration underestimated the public’s reaction. “I think the administration and ICE thought that by killing Alex (Pretti), that people would be scared and intimidated and would stop participating,” he said. “Instead, it has had the opposite effect.”
Beyond Patrols: A Multifaceted Approach
The response to ICE raids extends beyond simply monitoring streets. Unión del Barrio and its partners provide support to families impacted by raids, disseminate real-time alerts via social media, and distribute “Know Your Rights” materials. While the group has seen an increase in funding, allowing them to cover these costs, they remain focused on community-led solutions.
Organizers emphasize safety and legal compliance during training, while acknowledging the inherent risks involved in confronting federal agents. They discourage undocumented individuals or those on probation/parole from participating in patrols, encouraging them to contribute in other ways.
Immigration agents detain a man selling flowers in Boyle Heights on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026.
Courtesy of Verita Topete
/
Centro CSO
)
FAQ: Community Response to ICE Raids
Q: What is Unión del Barrio?
A: Unión del Barrio is a rapid-response network organizing community patrols and support in response to ICE raids.
Q: Who is participating in these patrols?
A: A diverse group of volunteers, including longtime activists, students, and retirees, from various backgrounds.
Q: What are the risks involved in participating?
A: Organizers acknowledge there are risks, and discourage undocumented individuals or those on probation/parole from participating in patrols.
Q: What else do these groups do besides patrolling?
A: They provide support to impacted families, disseminate real-time alerts, and distribute “Know Your Rights” materials.
