Los Angeles – February 23, 2024 — A battle is brewing in Cypress Park as Home Depot faces mounting criticism and boycott calls over the alleged eviction of a decades-old day laborers center. The dispute highlights a growing tension between corporate interests and the needs of immigrant communities, and raises questions about the retailer’s commitment to the neighborhoods it serves.
Home Depot Accused of Targeting L.A.’s Immigrant Workforce
Advocates claim the eviction isn’t a coincidence, linking it to broader anti-immigrant policies.
- Assemblywoman Jessica Caloza led a coalition of nearly 100 stakeholders in condemning Home Depot’s actions.
- The Instituto de Educacion Popular del Sur de California (IDEPSCA) center has operated on Home Depot property for years, leased through Caltrans.
- Critics allege the eviction is part of a pattern of hostility towards immigrant communities, exacerbated by federal immigration enforcement.
- Home Depot has not yet publicly responded to the allegations.
What’s the core of the dispute? The controversy centers on Home Depot’s alleged decision to evict the day laborers center run by IDEPSCA, a vital resource for workers seeking employment and support in the Cypress Park neighborhood. The center, which has operated on Home Depot property for 27 years through a lease with Caltrans, provides a safe and organized space for day laborers to find work.
Assemblywoman Jessica Caloza, D-Los Angeles, publicly called for accountability from Home Depot during a news conference Friday morning, joined by nearly 100 residents, day laborers, worker centers, students, union representatives, and faith leaders. “This eviction is not a coincidence,” Caloza stated. “The Trump administration has been terrorizing our state and is in our backyards thanks to Home Depot.” She further alleged that Home Depot is denying the allegations and “continues to lie about their decision.”
Los Angeles City Councilwoman Eunisses Hernandez, representing the First Council District, echoed Caloza’s sentiments. “As immigrant families live under the constant threat of ICE terror, Home Depot has chosen to displace a center that provides safety, resources and basic human dignity to day laborers,” Hernandez said in a statement. “Los Angeles will not stand by while billion-dollar corporations profit off our communities while discarding the very workers who make them rich.”
IDEPSCA Executive Director Meagan Ortiz expressed deep concern for the well-being of their members. “This eviction notice strips away the basic human rights of our immigrant communities,” Ortiz said.
Services Employees International Union President David Huerta called for an end to corporate collaboration with what he termed “anti-worker politicians” and demanded the immediate retraction of the eviction notice. City Councilwoman Nithya Raman, representing the Fourth Council District, emphasized the center’s long-standing presence in the community. “The timing of this eviction notice is not a coincidence, it is a choice, and a direct threat to our immigrant communities as ICE continues its targeted attacks,” Raman said.
Federal authorities have maintained their focus is on detaining undocumented immigrants who have committed violent crimes. Home Depot has previously stated it does not assist in federal immigration enforcement, though its locations nationwide have been targeted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. IDEPSCA reported approximately 50 individuals were detained at the Cypress Park location in November 2025.
Caloza urged Los Angeles residents to boycott Home Depot and support local businesses, hardware shops, and supply stores. “Reach out to your elected officials, make your voices heard, and let’s hold Home Depot accountable,” she added.
A representative for Home Depot did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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