LOS ANGELES — Recently, federal agents in tactical gear have been showing up at Home Depots in Southern California, causing a stir among undocumented day laborers. These workers face a tough choice: risk arrest or stay home without income.
Last Friday, parking lots in North Hollywood and Alhambra became the center of attention when agents detained several laborers. Amid the chaos, community organizers demanded to see warrants, seeking to protect those in handcuffs.
For many of these laborers, the situation is dire. They depend on daily wages to support their families, especially as the local economy slowly recovers from recent challenges, like rising building material costs due to tariffs and the aftermath of wildfires earlier this year. Each morning, they gather in hopes of securing a few hours of work, yet the shadow of arrest looms large.
Arturo, one worker who spoke in Spanish, expressed the fear that many share: “What can you do? In this country, you can’t stay home.” Many undercover efforts to earn money for groceries, rent, and bills fuel their determination to work.
Just days before the arrests, tragedy struck when Roberto Carlos Montoya Valdez, another day laborer, died while fleeing from agents. He ran onto a freeway and was hit by a car. Advocates highlighted that Montoya was a hardworking father, not a criminal—just someone seeking a better life.
Jose, a longtime friend of Montoya, reflected on the incident while standing at the spot where it happened. He described it as heartbreaking and noted how close-knit this community is. “We all know each other. We’re all the same,” he said in tears.
Felipe, another laborer, shared how jobs have dried up. Once, he could pick and choose tasks; now, he’s grateful for even a few hours of work. “Thank God I wasn’t here when they got Carlos,” he said, contemplating how such encounters can change lives in an instant.
Organizers like Nancy Meza from the National Day Laborers Organizing Network work tirelessly to monitor these situations. She’s seen that many laborers prefer to continue working despite the risk. “They feel really anxious, powerless,” Meza said. “They would rather take their chances.”
Arturo, who has lived in the U.S. for over 25 years, opened up about his regrets, such as not learning English or pursuing citizenship. He felt pressed for time and needs to support his children, who now have dreams of going to college.
“This is about survival,” he emphasized. “People come out because they have to eat.”
A recent survey from the Pew Research Center shows that 63% of undocumented workers are employed in industries like construction or agriculture—areas hit hard by both economic and immigration policy changes. Many workers feel trapped, balancing the need for income against the persistent fear of immigration enforcement.
As the community navigates these challenges, the fight for dignity and a better life continues, manifesting in the daily choices they make.
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