Activists across Los Angeles County have launched nightly noise demonstrations outside hotels where they believe U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are staying. In many cases, ICE’s presence has not been officially confirmed, but protesters say patterns of vehicle activity and eyewitness accounts suggest federal agents are using the hotels.
The campaign, known as “No Sleep for ICE,” began shortly after ICE launched mass immigration raids on June 6 in predominantly Latino neighborhoods. Agents reportedly wore ski masks, street clothes and tactical gear.
Protests have occurred in cities such as Montebello, Pasadena, Burbank, Whittier, Glendale, Arcadia, Downey, Long Beach and Hacienda Heights. They usually begin around 9 or 10 p.m. and last until early morning. Organizers say the actions are peaceful but intentionally disruptive.
Protesters are relying on constant noise to make their presence felt. They march around hotel parking lots with signs and flags, play mariachi music, chant slogans and coordinate horn blasts from passing cars.
Videos circulating on social media show the scenes, often unfolding late into the night.
What does ICE have to say about the protests?
CE officials claim the protests are fueled by misinformation and accuse local leaders of inciting hostility.
Hostility is what ICE is engaged in