West Los Angeles remains on high alert this week after multiple verified ICE staging incidents and detentions on Tuesday, January 13, confirmed and reported by West Los Respuesta Rápida through its community monitoring network.
Earlier that morning, ICE agents detained a street vendor near National and Manning. Shortly after, West Los monitors identified ICE vehicles staging at the Best Buy at 3851 Overland Avenue in Culver City, documenting four trucks, two transport vans, and several agents positioned in the upper-level parking lot. Monitors tracked the vehicles as they headed west on Washington Boulevard and issued real-time alerts to the community. This was confirmed staging, not speculation. Monitors verified the location, timing, vehicle details, and agent activity before issuing public alerts. Soon after the staging was reported and community members responded, ICE left the area.
These incidents follow a familiar and dangerous pattern. ICE frequently stages in large commercial parking lots, gas stations, and industrial corridors before moving into surrounding neighborhoods. Street vendors, jornaleros, construction workers, gardeners, car wash workers, and others who work outdoors or in visible workplaces are at heightened risk.
What happened Tuesday also underscores the importance of organized community monitoring. WLRR’s rapid verification, reporting, and alert system allowed neighbors to act quickly, warn vulnerable workers, and disrupt ICE operations in real time. Community members are urged to stay alert throughout the week and to support the group’s ongoing work. Patrol your neighborhoods and learn common staging locations. If you see ICE activity or anything suspicious, call the hotline immediately at (310) 513-5539 and save the number in your phone.
Neighbors are also encouraged to connect family, coworkers, and community members to the West Los Respuesta Rápida Telegram alert system for real-time updates on verified ICE activity. Early warnings prevent detentions and keep people safe. If ICE is spotted nearby, alert street vendors and workers, check bus stops, and notify vulnerable businesses like car washes and recycling centers. If someone cannot leave safely, stay with them and help connect them to the alert network. Do not engage ICE directly, do not answer questions, and do not sign anything. Ask for a judicial warrant and assert the right to remain silent.
ICE relies on fear, isolation, and silence. West Los Respuesta Rápida’s work shows that connection, vigilance, and collective response can disrupt raids and protect our neighbors. We keep us safe.