Thirteen arrests were made in a West Hollywood operation that raised concerns about ICE

Thirteen people were arrested late Friday night during a raid in West Hollywood’s Rainbow District, but the presence of unidentified vehicles in the area and recent immigration raids have raised concerns about a possible ICE raid.

On Sunday, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s officials confirmed that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were not involved in the arrest.

Several social media posts late Friday night alerted ICE agents to the Rainbow District, specifically at the notorious gay bar The Abbey.

Posts on Instagram, TikTok and X alerted people to ICE in the area. A video circulating online showed people cursing at law enforcement officers inside an unmarked white van and pointing at the car as it sped away. A sheriff’s patrol car can be seen behind the van.

One person posted a video showing security guards barring doors and windows inside the abbey as uniformed deputies marched on the street outside. A separate post showed another bar showing on the screen, “ICE is in the Abbey!”

On Sunday, officials confirmed that it was not federal agents conducting immigration enforcement but local law enforcement officers.

Authorities said Friday night’s operation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department was in response to numerous reports of pickpocketing, drug dealing and other criminal activity in the area.

Sheriff’s officials did not immediately respond to questions about what charges are related to the arrest.

This activity, according to Deputy Alejandra Parra, may have been established in some establishments in the area or by street vendors.