ICE Raid at California Paint Factory Leaves Over 20 Detained

Posted on 04/01/25 at 13:45

Undocumented workers detained in ICE raid at California
Families anxiously await outside the factory
Authorities investigating undocumented hiring practices

In a major federal operation, agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agencies detained at least 20 workers at a paint factory in El Cajon, California.

The raid has sparked concern among immigrant communities and human rights advocates, who denounce the devastating impact such actions have on the families of those arrested.

The operation, involving roughly 50 agents from ICE, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), took place on Thursday, March 27. It ran from 1:30 p.m. to 9:03 p.m. at San Diego Powder & Protective Coatings.

According to HSI, the raid was conducted under a federal search warrant related to an ongoing investigation into the hiring of undocumented immigrants and the use of fraudulent documents to gain employment at the company.

ICE operation in California leads to multiple arrests

Details on the ICE operation at a San Diego factory that resulted in the detention of several immigrants. https://t.co/jthwxrno4

— Univision Noticias (@UniNoticias) March 29, 2025

Witnesses described a tense scene as heavily armed agents entered the facility, removing workers one by one.

Some employees were handcuffed, questioned, and escorted from the building under tight security.

Outside, worried family members waited anxiously for any information about their loved ones—receiving little clarity regarding their whereabouts or legal status.

Pedro Río, a representative from the American Friends Service Committee, expressed deep concern over the impact these actions have on the broader community.

ICE Raids instill fear

ICE raid in California: Up to 20 workers detained at factory in El Cajon. https://t.co/ov2hoimgvy

— UNIVISION 40 (@noticias40) March 28, 2025

“This is going to affect many families, but that’s why we must organize and fight for our rights,” he said.

Activists argue that such raids spread fear in immigrant communities and could discourage individuals from reporting labor abuses or seeking legal help.

Federal authorities have not confirmed whether the company will face charges, according to Univision.

However, immigration experts note that in similar cases, companies have been investigated for failing to verify workers’ legal status.

Under federal law, employers are required to ensure their employees have the proper documentation to work legally in the U.S.

As of now, the exact location and status of those detained remains unknown, as does whether they will face deportation proceedings.

Human rights organizations are urging affected families to seek legal counsel and have voiced concerns over how detainees may be treated while in ICE custody after the raids.

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