In a significant enforcement operation, U.S. Border Patrol agents conducted a raid at a Home Depot in Sacramento, California, resulting in the arrest of 11 undocumented immigrants, some of whom had criminal histories. This operation, which took place in a city not designated as a sanctuary, underscores the ongoing efforts by federal authorities to address illegal immigration amid a backdrop of decreasing illegal crossings at the southern border.

Bill Melugin, a reporter for Fox News, provided exclusive coverage of the incident, detailing the chaotic scene that unfolded as agents arrived. As federal officials approached the Home Depot, suspected undocumented individuals fled in various directions, prompting immediate foot pursuits by Border Patrol agents. The operation culminated in the apprehension of 11 individuals believed to be in the country illegally, including several with previous deportations and criminal records.

Among those arrested was a U.S. citizen who allegedly slashed the tire of one of the agents’ vehicles. The confrontation escalated when the individual attempted to resist arrest, leading to the use of pepper spray by agents. This incident drew a vocal response from the citizen’s wife, who asserted her husband’s legal status, but authorities maintained that his actions warranted arrest.

The raid was organized by a Border Patrol strike team, which had been mobilized to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with interior immigration enforcement. With illegal crossings at record lows, resources have been redirected to focus on enforcement actions within the United States. The Border Patrol chief, who coordinated the operation, defended the agency’s actions, stating that the mission aimed to enhance community safety by targeting individuals with serious criminal backgrounds.

According to records obtained during the arrests, one individual was identified as a Mexican national with a lengthy criminal history, including a prior conviction for fentanyl trafficking. Another was a Guatemalan national who had previously been deported for failing to provide identification and trespassing. These arrests highlight the complexities surrounding immigration enforcement in California, a state known for its sanctuary policies.

While there have been legal challenges to immigration raids, a recent federal judge’s ruling in Los Angeles does not impact operations in Sacramento, which falls under a different judicial district. The Border Patrol conducted this operation based on prior surveillance and license plate scanning, which indicated the presence of individuals with previous deportations at the Home Depot site.

This raid marks a broader trend of increased immigration enforcement actions in areas not typically associated with such operations, raising questions about the balance between local policies and federal immigration law. As the situation continues to evolve, further actions by federal agents may be anticipated in the coming days, reflecting the ongoing debate over immigration and public safety in the United States.