By Billal Rahman

Copyright newsweek

A U.S. citizen was reportedly hospitalized following her detention by federal agents during an immigration enforcement operation at a Home Depot in Ladera Heights in Los Angeles County, California, on Saturday morning, with a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson telling Newsweek she had been arrested for assaulting an officer.

Witnesses reported that the woman, identified as Rachel Siemons, was monitoring the operation when she was detained by federal agents, according to NBC4 Los Angeles.

In a video shared with the outlet, Siemons can be heard shouting, “Let me go. I am an American who was born here.” She is also heard pleading for someone to call her family and a lawyer, giving out her name. “My name is Rachel Siemons. I am an American citizen. I was born here. Please.”

Why It Matters

The incident has sparked concerns among community members and immigrant rights advocates. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has been under the microscope as President Donald Trump‘s administration looks to remove millions of migrants to fulfill his pledge to conduct the largest mass deportation program in U.S. history.

A U.S. Border Patrol agent gestures in front another arresting a protester near the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Santa Ana Field Office after demonstrators gathered following reports of raids in the California city, on June 9, 2025.

What To Know

DHS told Newsweek that U.S. Border Patrol carried out a targeted immigration enforcement operation, resulting in the arrest of several undocumented immigrants, including one individual with prior arrests for theft, DUI, and assault with a deadly weapon.

“During the operation, two United States citizens were arrested for interfering with operations and assaulting officers. This includes Rachel Siemons, a U.S. citizen, who attempted to approach one of the detained illegal aliens with her phone. Agents allowed her to film, but repeatedly instructed her to give more space for agents,” Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for Department of Homeland Security told Newsweek.

“Siemons refused to comply and ultimately pushed her phone into agents’ faces—leading to Border Patrol arresting her. She then proceeded to spit on law enforcement,” she added.

Siemons is a member of the HILL Network, a group dedicated to supporting immigrant rights, NBC4 Los Angeles reported.

“She goes there to protect day laborers. Twice a week, she’s there,” a community organizer only identified as Quetzal, told the outlet.

Following her detention, Siemons was transported to Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital. The hospital confirmed the presence of federal agents, but declined to provide details about the incident due to privacy laws.

The Los Angeles Police Department responded to reports of masked individuals at the hospital, but later determined they were federal agents and withdrew.

NBC4 Los Angeles said that one witness reported that he observed five SUVs arriving at the Home Depot with about 20 federal agents and that they detained about eight individuals.

What People Are Saying

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Newsweek: “Let this serve as a reminder: Anyone who interferes or impedes immigration enforcement, regardless of citizenship, will be arrested. Our agents are facing a surge in violence against them, including a targeted shooting in Dallas and terroristic riots in Broadview and Portland.”

“We are aware that federal agents were seen at Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital following activity at a nearby place of business. We cannot comment on patient care due to state and federal privacy laws,” the Cedars-Sinai hospital told NBC4 Los Angeles.

What Happens Next

Siemons’ condition following her detention has not been publicly disclosed. The HILL Network reports that she has been released from custody.