CBP Uses Unmarked Trucks for Immigration Raid in Los Angeles

Operation Trojan Horse

• 🎯 Customs and Border Protection (CBP) conducted an immigration raid in Los Angeles, codenamed "Operation Trojan Horse."
• 🚚 This operation was the first time CBP used unmarked rental trucks for immigration enforcement in Los Angeles.
• 📍 The trucks were driven into a Home Depot parking lot near MacArthur Park, where agents emerged, causing dozens of people to scatter.
• 👥 A total of 16 people were taken into custody during the swift operation.

Justification and Controversy

• surveillance of the area was conducted prior to the raid.
• 🗣️ Border Patrol Chief Greg Bavino responded to criticism that such enforcements target people looking for work, citing harm caused by illegal aliens.
• ⚖️ LA Mayor Karen Bass questioned if the operation violated a temporary restraining order aimed at preventing discrimination, especially given the use of trucks.

Penske's Response and DHS Rebuttal

• 📄 Penske released a statement emphasizing that they strictly prohibit transporting people in the cargo area of their vehicles and were not aware of or authorizing the use of their trucks for this operation.
• 🚫 Penske stated they would reinforce their policy with DHS to prevent improper use of their vehicles.
• ↩️ DHS responded to Penske's statement in a now-deleted post, referencing a 2023 incident where their trucks were used in a human smuggling operation without a similar statement from Penske.