Protesters rally outside Boyle Heights hospital

Federal immigration agents transported a patient into the emergency room at Adventist Health White Memorial Hospital in Boyle Heights on Friday evening, prompting an immediate outcry from residents and community groups. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents remained stationed near the ambulance bay for hours, which demonstrators said effectively blocked critical access to the facility. Hospital officials confirmed that agents arrived with an unidentified person in custody but did not disclose details regarding the required medical care.

As news of the operation spread across the neighborhood, a large crowd gathered outside the hospital grounds to record the scene and voice their opposition. Community activist Abraham Zavala said that federal agents used mace on him and several other individuals standing in the crowd while official vehicles occupied numerous parking spaces.

Officers with the Los Angeles Police Department responded to the location following reports of a public disturbance. Department representatives said that local police officers did not participate in any immigration enforcement activities during the response.

On Saturday, a larger group of demonstrators marched from Mariachi Plaza to the medical center on Cesar E. Chavez Avenue carrying a letter demanding answers from hospital leadership. Angelica Salas of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles criticized federal authorities for disregarding human and constitutional rights during health care visits.

Mayor-elect Nithya Raman joined the gathering on Saturday afternoon to condemn the enforcement action. She told the crowd that recent election results demonstrate how federal tactics remain unwelcome in the city. State Senator María Elena Durazo also addressed the attendees, stating that immigration agents should not operate inside local medical facilities.