The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed Saturday that it conducted an undercover operation in West Hollywood’s Rainbow District overnight in response to reports of pickpocketing and other criminal activity — and emphasized that federal immigration authorities were not involved.
The operation, which took place Friday night, led to several arrests, LASD officials said in a statement. Deputies from the West Hollywood Station assisted the department’s narcotics bureau as part of the scheduled enforcement effort, according to authorities.
Social media users soon began posting that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were conducting raids inside the Abbey nightclub — one of the city’s most popular LGBTQ+ venues. A video posted to TikTok shows officers detaining individuals, prompting concerns from some residents and patrons who feared the presence of ICE.
LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 17: The Abbey in West Hollywood at Night on November 17, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by FG/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)
However, LASD later refuted those claims, saying in a post on X that “ICE was not involved” and that the department “remains committed to ensuring public safety in our community’s entertainment areas.”
“The City of West Hollywood and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department remain committed to ensuring public safety in our community’s entertainment areas and will continue working together to maintain a safe, welcoming, and affirming environment for all,” the department said.
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It remains unclear how many people were arrested or what charges they face.
Luis Zuniga contributed to this report.
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