President Trump’s illegal immigration crackdown has hit a snag. No one in D.C. saw this coming.
Because the Trump admin has received an eyebrow-raising letter after an ICE raid video went viral.
On Wednesday, Penske Truck Rental, a prominent vehicle rental company, released a statement addressing concerns about the unauthorized use of one of its trucks by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The company expressed intent to contact DHS regarding what it described as the “inappropriate deployment” of its vehicle during a recent operation.
According to Fox LA, DHS conducted a series of arrests near MacArthur Park in Los Angeles on Wednesday. Video evidence that spread online captured agents emerging from a Penske-branded moving truck and swiftly moving toward individuals gathered near a sidewalk food vendor, as reported by the outlet. Reacting to the images and videos displaying the Penske logo on the truck used in the DHS operation, the company issued a public statement condemning the action.
“Penske Truck Rental is aware of recent reports and videos regarding a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) operation in Los Angeles. Penske strictly prohibits the transportation of people in the cargo area of its vehicles under any circumstances,” the statement reads.
“The company was not made aware that its trucks would be used in today’s operation and did not authorize this,” the statement continued. “Penske will reach out to DHS and reinforce its policy to avoid improper use of its vehicles in the future.”
DHS authorities informed Fox LA that the operation targeted the MS-13 gang, which they claimed had a “chokehold” on the MacArthur Park area. The outlet reported that 16 undocumented immigrants from Guatemala, Mexico, Honduras, and Nicaragua were detained during the operation.
In response to the widely shared video, Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli posted online, emphasizing the non-negotiable nature of federal law enforcement. “For those who thought immigration enforcement had stopped in Southern California, think again. The enforcement of federal law is not negotiable, and there are no sanctuaries from the reach of the federal government,” Essayli wrote.
The DHS operation follows a period of unrest in downtown Los Angeles, where anti-U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protests and riots erupted in June. Those events led to significant vandalism, looting, and burning vehicles, resulting in millions of dollars in damages for the city.
Breaking: DHS arrives in Penske trucks at a Home Depot in McArthur Park area of LA for early morning immigration enforcement. The area was filled with migrants who scattered. DHS says MS 13 has a chokehold on this area, which is one reason they’re carrying out the highly… pic.twitter.com/hTskuM9Q4l
— Matt Finn (@MattFinnFNC) August 6, 2025
Public Support for Trump Administration’s Immigration Enforcement Efforts
Recent polling and public sentiment indicate strong backing among Americans for the Trump administration’s initiatives to curb illegal immigration and implement deportations. A Rasmussen Reports survey conducted in November 2024 found that 58% of likely U.S. voters support the administration’s plan for large-scale deportations of undocumented immigrants, with 42% expressing strong approval. Only 32% opposed the policy, highlighting a clear majority in favor of stricter enforcement measures.
The public’s support appears to stem from concerns over border security and economic impacts. A Gallup poll from October 2024 revealed that 55% of Americans believe illegal immigration is a significant threat to national stability, with 70% of respondents favoring stronger border control measures. This sentiment aligns with the administration’s emphasis on operations like the one in Los Angeles, targeting areas with reported gang activity and illegal immigration.
A study by the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) estimated that illegal immigration costs U.S. taxpayers approximately $150 billion annually, a figure frequently cited by supporters of the administration’s policies. Many Americans, particularly in working-class communities, view deportation efforts as a way to alleviate pressure on public resources and job markets.
The Los Angeles operation, which targeted MS-13 gang members, resonates with public concerns about crime linked to illegal immigration. A 2024 Pew Research Center survey found that 61% of Americans associate illegal immigration with increased crime rates, even though studies show mixed evidence on this correlation. High-profile operations like the one in MacArthur Park reinforce the administration’s narrative that deportations enhance community safety, a message that appears to resonate with a significant portion of the population.
Opposition to these policies, while vocal, remains a minority view. Critics, including some advocacy groups and local leaders in cities like Los Angeles, argue that mass deportations disrupt communities and strain local economies. However, the June 2024 riots in Los Angeles, which caused millions in damages, have dampened sympathy for such arguments among many residents, as evidenced by local news reports highlighting frustration with ongoing unrest.
The administration’s focus on deporting individuals with criminal affiliations, such as MS-13 members, further bolsters public support. A YouGov poll from December 2024 indicated that 67% of Americans support prioritizing deportations of undocumented immigrants with criminal records, a key component of the Trump administration’s strategy. This targeted approach mitigates some concerns about overly broad enforcement actions.
Regional variations exist, but support for immigration enforcement remains robust across diverse demographics. A CBS News poll from September 2024 showed that 60% of suburban voters and 54% of urban voters favor stricter immigration policies, including deportations. Even among Hispanic Americans, traditionally seen as more sympathetic to immigrants, a 2024 Univision poll found that 49% support stronger border security measures, reflecting a complex view on the issue.
The Trump administration’s messaging, emphasizing law and order, has effectively tapped into these sentiments. By framing operations like the one in Los Angeles as necessary to combat gang violence and restore community safety, the administration has garnered approval from a broad swath of the electorate, despite criticism from certain activist circles and media outlets.
