Federal agents at a staging area in Denver following immigration raids on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025.
El Cajon, CA – Immigration enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a business in unincorporated El Cajon on Thursday, investigating allegations of workplace enforcement violations, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Dozens of law enforcement officers wearing bulletproof vests were seen in an industrial area along Magnolia Avenue around 1 p.m., detaining individuals in handcuffs and forming lines outside San Diego Powder & Protective Coatings. The large-scale operation was confirmed by reporters on the scene.
Shawn Gibson, special agent in charge of ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for San Diego, stated that a search warrant detailing the scope of the investigation would be unsealed later in the day. By Thursday afternoon, the warrant was made public, revealing accusations that the business had employed undocumented immigrants, used fraudulent documents, and made false statements to the Social Security Administration.
While the raid drew attention, it remained unclear whether the City of El Cajon played any role in aiding the investigation. The El Cajon City Council recently passed a resolution affirming its intent to work with federal immigration authorities. However, El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells expressed doubt that the city’s stance influenced Thursday’s enforcement action.
“I know nothing about this particular group of people. I’m just telling you, I’m putting the pieces together based upon what I see happening around the country, my own discussions,” Wells said. “I would be very shocked if these weren’t dangerous people.”
Meanwhile, U.S. Congressmember Sara Jacobs, whose 51st District includes El Cajon, voiced concerns over the raid. Jacobs said her office had submitted inquiries to DHS and ICE to obtain more information and ensure due process was followed. “We don’t have further details on this operation,” she said.
Further details are expected as authorities continue their investigation.
