The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) conducted a surprise immigration enforcement operation in Los Angeles on Wednesday, arresting 16 undocumented immigrants as part of “Operation Trojan Horse.” The early morning raid took place near a Home Depot in MacArthur Park, an area federal officials claim is heavily influenced by the MS-13 gang. Video footage showed agents bursting from a Penske moving truck and pursuing individuals gathered near a street vendor.

The arrested individuals were from Guatemala, Mexico, Honduras, and Nicaragua. DHS officials did not immediately disclose their immigration histories but emphasized the region’s high gang activity as justification for the operation. A DHS spokesperson said the neighborhood was under a “known MS-13 chokehold,” prompting federal intervention.

Penske, whose truck was used during the operation, distanced itself from the raid, asserting that transporting people in cargo areas is against company policy and that DHS had not informed them in advance.

Despite a recent federal court ruling limiting warrantless immigration detentions, the raid proceeded without legal interruption. That court decision—criticized by DHS—requires detainees to be provided legal counsel and restricts the use of roving patrols allegedly based on ethnicity or occupation. The Biden Justice Department’s appeal was denied by the 9th Circuit, but the case is expected to reach the Supreme Court.

U.S. Attorney for Los Angeles Bill Essayli praised the raid on social media, asserting that immigration laws will be enforced regardless of local opposition. The operation follows a larger June sweep in the same area that saw Mayor Karen Bass confronting federal agents on site and sparked violent protests.

With President Trump back in office, DHS is signaling a renewed commitment to enforcing immigration laws, even in sanctuary cities like Los Angeles. Officials made it clear that protests and local political resistance would not deter future enforcement actions.