As ICE raids continue throughout Los Angeles, residents are staying vigilant and suspicious of authorities.<\/p>\n
The Los Angeles County Sheriff\u2019s department conducted an undercover drug bust on Friday night at The Abbey in West Hollywood. The presence of unmarked vehicles, and rumors of ICE agents caused many to believe it was an immigration-related raid.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The LACS confirmed on Sunday that the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents did not participate in the arrests that took place Friday night.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThis operation was in response to community reports about pickpocketing, narcotic sales, and other criminal activity that may be occurring at establishments or by unpermitted street vendors,\u201d said West Hollywood Sheriff\u2019s Station Captain Fanny Lapkin. \u201cSeveral arrests were made in the Rainbow District as part of the operation. The operation was not ICE-related, and ICE was not involved.\u201d<\/p>\n
Many posts on social media from that night and later appeared to believe there was an ICE raid being conducted at the renowned bar. Many witnesses took video, and others in the area warned others of the alleged raid. Including screens at another nearby bar reading<\/a> \u201cICE at the Abbey!\u201d<\/p>\n 13 arrests were made, according to the LACS booking log, with charges ranging from possession of controlled substances for sale or transportation, and possession of controlled substances.\u00a0<\/p>\n