Fear Grips Santa Fe Springs Amid Immigration Raid at Swap Meet

SANTA FE SPRINGS, Calif. (KABC) — Several individuals were taken into custody Saturday afternoon during an immigration raid at the Santa Fe Springs Swap Meet. The operation began around 3:30 p.m. on Alondra Boulevard, not far from the 5 Freeway.

AIR7 flew over the scene, capturing exclusive footage of federal agents along with armed Marines detaining individuals on the property. A witness estimated that around 60 agents and Marines were present during the raid.

The swap meet was bustling with visitors, many of whom were there for a Saturday night concert that was later canceled due to the operation. A visitor expressed shock at witnessing the raid firsthand, stating it was disheartening and alarming, given his family’s immigrant history.

“It was a little unbelievable because I’ve seen it happening but never experienced it myself,” the visitor said. “My father came to this country in 1968 and works very hard. It’s just disheartening the amount of fear they’re creating.”

Witnesses reported that agents were questioning attendees about their origins. One individual described feeling threatened when agents took a photo of him with a specialized camera after he identified as being from the United States.

Eyewitness News has reached out to Homeland Security Investigations for details on the operation but has not received a response as of yet.

The presence of federal agents at the swap meet disrupted an eventful weekend for many families in the area, with feelings of fear and uncertainty growing in the community.