By Ricardo Lezama 
For generations of Mexicans, the Santa Fe Swapmeet has been more than just a place to buy and sell goods—it’s been a cultural cornerstone, a weekend gathering spot where families browse rows of vendors selling everything from handmade crafts to fresh produce, where the sounds of Spanish and English mingle with the aroma of street tacos and the rhythms of regional Mexican music echoing across the sprawling outdoor marketplace
Located at 13963 Alondra Boulevard in Santa Fe Springs, the swap meet has long served as a vital economic and social hub for Southern California’s Latino community, a place where immigrant entrepreneurs could start small businesses, where recent arrivals could find familiar foods and goods from home, and where multiple generations would come together on weekend afternoons to shop, eat, and connect with their culture.
But on Saturday, June 14, 2025, that sense of sanctuary was shattered when federal immigration agents descended on the venue in an enforcement operation that would send shockwaves through not just the swap meet itself, but the broader immigrant community that has called this corner of Los Angeles County home for decades. As families gathered for what was supposed to be an evening of music and celebration, they instead witnessed masked federal agents detaining community members, transforming a place of cultural connection into a scene of fear and separation.
The raid at Santa Fe Springs represents more than just another immigration enforcement action—it strikes at the heart of spaces that have traditionally provided refuge and belonging for Mexican-American families, raising profound questions about which places remain safe for all communities in an era of intensified federal enforcement.
The Santa Fe Springs Swap Meet Raid
On Saturday, June 14, 2025, around 3:30 PM, federal immigration authorities conducted an enforcement operation at the Santa Fe Springs Swap Meet located at 13963 Alondra Boulevard, near the 5 Freeway . Video from the scene showed masked federal agents apprehending several people, accompanied by armed personnel .
Key Details
Timing and Context: The raid occurred just before a scheduled concert at the swap meet, which was subsequently canceled following the enforcement operation . The operation took place on the same day as tens of thousands of demonstrators participated in nationwide “No Kings” protests opposing President Trump’s policies.
Number of Detainees: Federal immigration authorities detained an unknown number of people at the swap meet, though specific numbers were not disclosed .
Military Presence Clarification: Initially, reports suggested U.S. Marines were present, but the U.S. Department of Defense later clarified that there were no Title 10 forces or U.S. Marines present at the Santa Fe Springs operation, and the Department of Defense was not involved.
Swap Meet’s Response
The Santa Fe Springs Swap Meet issued a statement on Facebook Sunday, explaining that they did not contact immigration officials, were unaware they would be at the venue, and did not consent to their presence.
In their statement, swap meet officials said: “These actions were completely out of our control. We understand how concerning this is for our customers, vendors, and staff. The Santa Fe Springs Swap Meet has always been a place of connection, culture, and commerce for all.”
Broader Context
This raid occurred during a period of intensified immigration enforcement in Southern California. The Trump administration has continued widespread immigration enforcement activities with a reported goal of up to 3,000 deportations per day , though the administration has begun scaling back raids at agricultural sites, hotels and restaurants in response to complaints from employers .
The Los Angeles area has experienced over a week of protests against immigration policies, with the LAPD arresting 561 people related to protest activity since enforcement actions began on June 6. President Trump has deployed 4,000 California National Guard troops and 700 Marines to the Los Angeles area to protect federal agents conducting enforcement operations .
The Santa Fe Springs incident represents part of the ongoing immigration enforcement expansion throughout Southern California, affecting both urban commercial venues and agricultural areas across the region.