Why Is This Happening? The Chris Hayes Podcast Immigration Raids in LA and Nationwide with Memo Torres
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Nov 18, 2025 Memo Torres, a multimedia journalist and director of engagement at LA TACO, shares insights on the recent surge of immigration raids across Los Angeles. He explains the aggressive tactics used by various enforcement agencies and highlights community responses, including civilians confronting agents and documenting the events. Torres discusses the psychological impact of these raids on families, the challenges in locating detainees, and the troubling conditions in detention facilities. He emphasizes the need for responsible coverage while warning that this trend is likely to persist.
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LA As The Testing Ground
- Los Angeles became the testing ground for a new, aggressive Border Patrol model that prioritizes visible showmanship and street raids.
- That model has been exported to other cities like Chicago and may continue to spread under the same playbook.
From Landscaper To Reporter
- Memo Torres grew up in Inglewood and worked as a landscaper for 15 years before journalism.
- His background gave him firsthand knowledge of day laborers and immigrant work communities targeted by raids.
Crises Revealed Immigrants' Civic Role
- Immigrant communities played decisive, visible roles during crises like wildfires, reinforcing their centrality to LA civic life.
- That visibility strengthened cross-community solidarity and pushed allies to mobilize against raids.