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DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES () — Residents and advocates in Skid Row criticized a large-scale law enforcement operation this week, calling it a publicity stunt that disrupted the lives of people living and working in the neighborhood.
At a news conference Friday, residents and members of the Los Angeles Community Action Network, or LA CAN, said armed federal agents descended on several apartment buildings Thursday morning, leaving some residents confused and frightened.
“My elderly neighbors, who were terrified,” said one Skid Row resident.
Khayree Jannah said he was returning home after having blood drawn when he was unable to access his residence.
ORIGINAL REPORT: ‘Operation Save Skid Row’ targets over 2 dozen alleged drug dealers in notorious Downtown LA area
Federal law enforcement officials are targeting drug dealing in Downtown Los Angeles with “Operation Save Skid Row.”
“I needed to get something to eat. But because of the raid, I was stranded out in the heat for hours,” he said.
Shameka Foster, a Skid Row resident and LA CAN organizer, said the operation affected her ability to get to work.
“I was blocked in by LAPD,” Foster said.
Local and federal officials held two news conferences related to what they called “Operation Save Skid Row,” describing it as an effort to target people trafficking drugs rather than unhoused residents.
Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said many of those arrested were from outside the city.
“They come here from outside our city, not to contribute to the community, but to exploit it,” McDonnell said.
Officials said the operation involved more than 40 search warrants, roughly 100 law enforcement vehicles and charges against 28 people for drug-related offenses. At least nine people were arrested Thursday, according to officials.
“An army of cops shutting down an entire neighborhood for a handful of arrests. Now, they could have made those arrests without the big show. But the show was the point,” said John Raphling, an organizer with the Los Angeles Community Action Network.
Jessica Garcia, a Skid Row resident and LA CAN organizer, said concerns about the operation should not be interpreted as dismissing harmful drugs.
“I am asking why permanent housing and consistent support have not been made accessible to everyone who needs them. We cannot talk about saving lives while ignoring the conditions that keep people vulnerable,” Garcia said. “We are not props for a publicity stunt.”
At Friday’s news conference, residents and advocacy groups said the operation disrupted people who are trying to maintain stability. “Ending the criminalization of women and people, and period, in Skid Row is what we need,” said Lateecia Frederick of the Downtown Women’s Action Coalition and LA CAN.
Raphling argued that resources should be directed toward housing and services rather than large-scale law enforcement actions. “People need safe and decent permanent housing. Nutritious food to eat, toilets, showers, clean streets. If you want to save Skid Row, leave the guns and the cops at home,” he said.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is standing by the operation. Meanwhile, Councilmember Ysabel Jurado, whose district includes Skid Row, is seeking answers about concerns raised by residents and advocates. Her office said staff members were on the ground connecting people with resources.
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