ALTADENA, Calif. — For months, the day laborers had decontaminated homes that survived the Los Angeles wildfires. Sweating in masks and protective suits, they vacuumed toxic soot and ash, wiped down books and framed photos, and disposed of clothes and furniture that could not be salvaged.

Leer en españolLos Angeles was already struggling to revive its fragile economy after the most destructive wildfires in its history erupted six months ago. Now, immigration raids are driving workers crucial to the rebuilding into the shadows.

The ICE raid targeted a farm in Camarillo, Ventura County, and military-style vehicles and a helicopter were deployed.