44 Zapotec workers arrested in LA fashion factory raid, families struggle to locate detainees
Jun 2026·Location: Los Angeles, CA
Country of origin: 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
Sources
- A year after ICE raids terrorized Los Angeles, a rattled city counts its scars: ‘The arrests never really stopped’
The Guardian·Jun 14, 2026·archived copy
- Families of ‘Kidnapped’ L.A. Garment Workers Arrested in ICE Raids Plead for Justice
WWD·Jun 10, 2025·archived copy
- A year after the LA fashion company's immigration raid, former workers are still struggling - Smart Insights Alley
smartinsightsalley.com·Jun 6, 2026·archived copy
- A year after L.A. worksite immigration raid at fashion company, former workers still struggling - AUS Hit News
aushitnews.com.au·Jun 8, 2026·archived copy
- After ICE raids in LA, families of those detained are desperate for answers
More incidents in California
- Irvine special education teacher detained at LAX, transferred to Adelanto ICE facilityOct 6, 2026 · Los Angeles, CA
- Former DACA recipient dies of sepsis after Adelanto ICE staff ignored infection, family suesOct 3, 2026 · Adelanto, CA
- Senator tours SFO airport holding room, cites prolonged ICE detentionsOct 1, 2026 · San Francisco, CA
- Mexican man captured by drone-tracking agents in Buena Park fraud sweepOct 1, 2026 · Buena Park, CA
- Irish man detained at airport deported to UK before bond hearingSep 30, 2026 · San Jose, CA
- Ghanaian respiratory therapist chained and detained at SFO gate over visa overstaySep 30, 2026 · San Francisco, CA