HUMSI — Human Security Initiative

Human Impact Project

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44 Zapotec workers arrested in LA fashion factory raid, families struggle to locate detainees

Jun 2026 · Los Angeles, CA, Mexico

On June 6, 2025, ICE and federal agents raided Ambiance Apparel, a garment manufacturer in Los Angeles's Fashion District, detaining 40-44 workers, predominantly from Indigenous Zapotec communities in Mexico. Many were restrained with chains at the waist and ankles during arrest. Families gathered outside the facility to protest what they described as kidnappings, with detainees subsequently moved between multiple detention facilities, making family contact difficult. At least one worker was deported; others remain in immigration proceedings. A year later, affected families continue facing severe economic hardship, ongoing trauma, and family separation, with children left without primary breadwinners. The raid was part of a broader workplace enforcement crackdown that included multiple operations across Los Angeles and involved deployment of the National Guard.

Timeline

Jun 2026One year after raids, affected workers and families continue facing deportations, pending immigration cases, economic hardship, and emotional trauma from family separations
Jun 6, 2025ICE and federal agents raided Ambiance Apparel in Los Angeles Fashion District, detaining 40-44 workers, many from Zapotec Indigenous communities, with several restrained in chains
Jun 6, 2025Family members gathered outside facility to protest arrests; detainees relocated to multiple detention facilities
Jun 2025At least one detainee deported to Mexico; others remain in immigration proceedings with families reporting difficulty locating and contacting them
Jun 2025Broader ICE workplace crackdown across Los Angeles targeting additional sites, including Home Depots and other workplaces; National Guard deployed in response

Sources

More incidents in California