Hollywood Stars Take Fire Over False Claims About ICE Raids in Los Angeles [WATCH]

Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin is responding to a series of high-profile claims from celebrities about recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Los Angeles, accusing several prominent entertainment figures of spreading misinformation about federal immigration enforcement.

In an interview with Just the News, McLaughlin rejected allegations from actress Eva Longoria and other celebrities suggesting ICE agents are targeting locations such as elementary schools, birthday parties, and graduation ceremonies.

“It’s not happening,” McLaughlin said.

“But if you are an MS-13 gang member, if you are a violent criminal alien, and you try to seek safe harbor in a church or a courthouse or a kindergarten classroom, we will come and get you.”

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McLaughlin specifically responded to a post Longoria shared to her 10.6 million Instagram followers, in which the actress claimed, “These round-ups are happening in birthday parties, in elementary school graduations, Home Depot. Those are not criminals and I hope that everybody has more compassion for this issue and realizes we have industries dependent on immigrant labor.”

Eva Longoria speaks out against ICE amid deportation raids:

“These roundups are happening in birthday parties, in elementary graduations, Home Depots – those are not criminals.” pic.twitter.com/7p07sT3s1A

— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) June 11, 2025

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McLaughlin criticized Longoria and others for what she called “fear-mongering,” stating, “To create this fear-mongering that we’ve seen from Eva Longoria, we’ve seen from Sabrina Carpenter and the who’s who of Gen Z, it’s just baloney.”

Although rumors circulated online about an ICE raid at a Los Angeles-area elementary school graduation, those reports were found to be false and debunked by the Los Angeles Times.

However, ICE did conduct enforcement at a Home Depot location, where day laborers often gather, and arrests were reportedly made at a separate Hollywood location last Thursday.

JUST IN: ICE agents rounded up and ARRESTED illegals at a Home Depot near Los Angeles this morning

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We will NOT be deterred. Keep pushing! pic.twitter.com/uv4r3BuqHl

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The misinformation surrounding ICE operations is spreading widely, aided by social media.

A recent Pew Research Center study found that 54% of U.S. adults say they sometimes or often get news from social media — an increase from 50% in 2023.

Officials say this reliance on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X is contributing to the rapid spread of inaccurate claims.

Another high-profile critic of the ICE enforcement activity is Kim Kardashian, who has 365 million followers on Instagram.

In a June 10 post, Kardashian described the actions as “inhumane” and claimed ICE was targeting innocent individuals.

“When we’re told that ICE exists to keep our country safe and remove violent criminals — great. But when we witness innocent, hardworking people being ripped from their families in inhumane ways, we have to speak up. We have to do what’s right,” Kardashian posted.

She continued, “Growing up in LA, I’ve seen how deeply immigrants are woven into the fabric of this city. They are our neighbors, friends, classmates, coworkers, and family. No matter where you fall politically, it’s clear that our communities thrive because of the contributions of immigrants.”

McLaughlin responded to Kardashian’s comments on X, questioning the alternative.

“Which convicted criminals would Kim Kardashian prefer we leave on the streets?” she asked.

.@KimKardashian, which one of these convicted child molesters, murderers, drug traffickers and rapists would you like to stay in the county?

These are just a few of the convicted illegal criminals who have been picked up in the last 72 hours. https://t.co/bauJUKbulk pic.twitter.com/VAtpNwHmeD

— Tricia McLaughlin (@TriciaOhio) June 11, 2025

The Department of Homeland Security has stated that current operations are targeting individuals who have violated federal immigration law, particularly those with criminal convictions or outstanding removal orders.

President Donald Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem have emphasized the “worst first” enforcement policy, supported by “border czar” Tom Homan, who is overseeing the prioritization of removals.

The Biden-era moratoriums on deportations and interior enforcement have been reversed under the current administration.

Officials say the renewed focus on immigration enforcement aligns with federal statutes and prioritizes public safety.

DHS maintains that all operations are carried out within the framework of existing law and that public reports suggesting otherwise are inaccurate.

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