Thirteen people were arrested late Friday night during an operation in West Hollywood’s Rainbow District, but the presence of unmarked vehicles in the area and recent immigration raids have raised concerns about possible ICE raids.
On Sunday, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s officials confirmed that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were not involved in the arrests.
Late Friday night, multiple social media posts warned of ICE agents being in the Rainbow District, specifically at the famous gay bar The Abbey.
Posts on Instagram, TikTok and X warned people about ICE in the area. A video circulating online showed people in an unmarked white van cursing law enforcement officers and hitting the vehicle as it drove away. A sheriff’s patrol car can be seen following the truck.
One person posted a video showing security guards inside the monastery closing doors and windows while uniformed officers walked the streets outside. Another article showed another bar displayed on the screen: “ICE at the Abbey!”
On Sunday, officials confirmed that it was not federal agents but local law enforcement officers conducting immigration enforcement.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department took action Friday night in response to multiple reports of pickpocketing, drug sales and other criminal activity in the area, officials said.
Sheriff’s officials did not immediately respond to questions about the charges related to the arrest.
Deputy Superintendent Alejandra Parra said the activity may have been carried out at a number of establishments in the area or by unlicensed street vendors.
