Thirteen people were arrested late Friday night during an operation in West Hollywood’s Rainbow District. However, the presence of unmarked vehicles and recent immigration raids in the area sparked concerns of a possible ICE raid.
On Sunday, Los Angeles County Sheriff officials confirmed that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents did not take part in the arrests.
Multiple social media posts late Friday night warned of ICE agents in the Rainbow District, particularly at the renowned gay bar The Abbey. Posts on Instagram, TikTok, and X warned people about ICE being in the area. One video circulating online showed people cursing at law enforcement officers inside an unmarked white van and hitting the vehicle as it drove away. A sheriff’s patrol car could be seen following behind the van.
In another video, security guards inside The Abbey were seen closing its doors and windows while uniformed deputies walked the street outside. A separate post showed another bar displaying a message on a screen that read, “ICE is at The Abbey!”
On Sunday, officials clarified that it was not federal agents conducting immigration enforcement but local law enforcement officers. The Friday night operation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department was in response to multiple reports of pickpocketing, drug sales, and other criminal activity in the area.
Sheriff officials did not immediately respond to questions regarding the specific charges related to the arrests. Deputy Alejandra Parra stated that the criminal activity may have been occurring at some of the establishments in the area or involved unpermitted street vendors.
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-10-19/13-arrested-in-west-hollywood-operation-that-raised-concerns-about-ice
