Phoenix Home Depot Raid Draws Scrutiny Over ICE Tactics
On Saturday morning, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducted an immigration operation at a west Phoenix Home Depot store. According to activists, 10 people were detained during the operation.
The event drew attention from protesters and day laborers, who returned to the location on Monday. Cell phone video shows ICE agents detaining men in handcuffs, with one voice heard saying, 'I hope your body camera's on like it's supposed to be.'
Clarissa Vela, leader of the Phoenix-based community group People First Project, said she spoke with workers who were detained during the operation. They reported that ICE agents took people dressed as day workers and those dressed as unhoused individuals.
Erika Andiola, political director for the National Day Laborer Organizing Network, stated that the tactics used in this operation are not new and neither are enforcement actions at Home Depot locations.