Sign in

Rachel Uranga

@racheluranga.bsky.social
2.1K followers 199 following 15 posts

Immigration reporter for the L.A. Times. L.A. native, president of CCNMA and proud mama. Reach me at rachel.uranga(@)latimes.com

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Rachel Uranga
Lomi Kriel @lomikriel.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
🧵 (1) SIX ICE DEATHS IN TEXAS IN SIX WEEKS; 3 at a Fort Bliss camp holding +3K immigrants. A homicide involving staff. That’s after the deadliest year in ICE detention in decades as Trump seeks to expand it. Lawyers call it an ‘unfolding humanitarian crisis.’ www.texastribune.org/2026/02/19/i...
texastribune.org
What you need to know about Texas ICE detention deaths
Last year was the deadliest year in ICE detention in two decades. Nearly a quarter of those deaths occurred in Texas.
3171113
Reposted by Rachel Uranga
suhauna hussain @suhauna.bsky.social · 08/12/2025
spoke to afghan families & leaders who say the community has been targeted w/ calls to check in at ICE field offices, agents arresting folks at work, barging into homes in early morning etc, for this story w/ @andreacastillo.bsky.social @racheluranga.bsky.social www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
latimes.com
After National Guard shooting, administration cracks down on legal immigration
Although President Trump mostly railed against illegal immigration during his campaign last year, his administration has put into motion a broad and unprecedented set of policy changes aimed at substa...
025
Reposted by Rachel Uranga
Grace Toohey @grace2e.bsky.social · 03/12/2025
Heartbreaking reporting from @racheluranga.bsky.social. A must read: www.latimes.com/california/s...
latimes.com
Pregnant immigrants held for months in detention despite rules against it
With the immigration crackdown, more pregnant women are being detained. The ACLU alleges a woman was shackled while miscarrying and others were denied prenatal care.
011
Rachel Uranga @racheluranga.bsky.social · 03/11/2025
U.S. citizen shot from behind as he warned ICE agents about children gathering at bus stop, lawyers say www.latimes.com/california/s...
latimes.com
U.S. citizen shot from behind as he warned ICE agents about children gathering at bus stop, lawyers say
Lawyers for Carlos Jimenez said he was in fear after an agent threatened him with chemical spray, then pointed a gun at him.
152
Rachel Uranga @racheluranga.bsky.social · 03/11/2025
Carmen’s abusive husband came home drunk one night last summer. He pounded and kicked the door. He threatened to kill her as her young son watched in horror. She helped get him deported. Then the Trump Administration deported Carmen right into his hands. www.latimes.com/california/s...
latimes.com
She helped get her violent husband deported. Then ICE deported her — straight into his arms.
Carmen's abusive husband came home drunk one night last summer. He pounded and kicked the door.
19155
Reposted by Rachel Uranga
James Queally @jqwritesstuff.bsky.social · 23/10/2025
Chaotic shooting of suspect and deputy U.S. marshal in L.A. highlights increased aggression, questionable tactics in ICE crackdowns Latest w/ @lacrimes.bsky.social @brittnymejia.bsky.social @racheluranga.bsky.social & the tireless Ruben Vives, who isn't on BSky www.latimes.com/california/s...
latimes.com
Chaotic shooting of suspect and deputy U.S. marshal highlights increased aggression in ICE crackdowns
Authorities accused Carlitos Ricardo Parias of ramming his car into agents’ vehicles after they boxed him in. Video shows his car pinned as agents opened fire.
086
Rachel Uranga @racheluranga.bsky.social · 22/10/2025
Trump administration is sending federal agents to San Francisco following weeks of threats. Gov. Newsom calls it a page out of the "dictator’s handbook” intended to create the conditions of unrest necessary to then send in the National Guard. From Clara Harter. www.latimes.com/california/s...
latimes.com
Federal agents heading to San Francisco — an attempt by Trump to invoke chaos, Newsom says
The Trump administration is sending federal agents to San Francisco following weeks of threats from the president to deploy the National Guard to the Bay Area.
3128
Reposted by Rachel Uranga
Mark Z. Barabak @markzbarabak.bsky.social · 07/10/2025
Immigration sought to deport 88-year-old. But he already died @racheluranga.bsky.social www.latimes.com/california/s...
latimes.com
Immigration sought to deport 88-year-old. But he already died
Jose Mario Rodriguez Grimaldi was weak and unable to eat in his final days after contracting COVID.
022
Reposted by Rachel Uranga
Los Angeles Times @latimes.com · 07/10/2025
Federal agents held him in a hospital for 37 days, at times shackled to his bed, without charging him
latimes.com
Federal agents held him in a hospital for 37 days, at times shackled to his bed, without charging him
Bayron Rovidio Marin broke his leg when immigration authorities raided the car wash where he worked in Carson in August. He was surveilled for more than a month in his hospital bed at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center before a federal judge ordered his release.
11817
Rachel Uranga @racheluranga.bsky.social · 08/10/2025
In the fire zones, an immigrant workforce warily carries out cleanup @cshalby.bsky.social www.latimes.com/california/s...
latimes.com
In the fire zones, an immigrant workforce warily carries out cleanups
Months after the Eaton fire, a largely immigrant workforce clears homes of ash and debris in Altadena amid health risks and threat of immigration raids.
054
Reposted by Rachel Uranga
Melissa Gomez @melissagomez.bsky.social · 07/10/2025
"The intense push to ramp up deportations is dragging in even the dead, unnerving immigrant households, cramming court calendars and sapping stretched immigration attorneys’ time." crazy story here by @racheluranga.bsky.social www.latimes.com/california/s...
latimes.com
Immigration sought to deport 88-year-old. But he already died
The Department of Homeland Security's intense push to ramp up deportations is dragging in even the dead as it unnerves immigrant households and crams court calendars.
011
Rachel Uranga @racheluranga.bsky.social · 30/09/2025
Prison operator CoreCivic announced a $130M a year contract with ICE for California’s newest and largest immigration detention center today, a month after opening w/o permits. Detainees inside say they lack medicines, are locked in cells for hours on end. www.latimes.com/california/s...
latimes.com
Immigrants decry conditions at former prison, ICE's largest detention center in California
Detainees report prison-like conditions inside the California City facility and lack of access to medical care. Advocates are trying to shut it down.
274
Reposted by Rachel Uranga
Karen Garcia @karenmg.bsky.social · 13/08/2025
The arrest of LA-area nurse Amanda Trebach who documented ICE operations is putting a spotlight on the risks associated with observing and documenting immigration enforcement in Southern California. www.latimes.com/california/s...
latimes.com
L.A. volunteers who document ICE raids are being arrested. How to do it safely
L.A. County residents have been documenting immigration enforcement since early June. A recent arrest of a volunteer highlights the risk of this work.
2913
Reposted by Rachel Uranga
Melissa Gomez @melissagomez.bsky.social · 06/08/2025
Earlier this year, we learned immigration attorneys were scrambling to respond to a flurry of requests from DHS to recalendar old cases - some as old as '06. In some, ppl had died - or their attorneys. with @racheluranga.bsky.social and @missdakotasmith.bsky.social www.latimes.com/california/s...
latimes.com
Trump officials are reopening old immigration cases, even for dead people. 'They don't do their homework,' lawyers say
Attorneys and their clients are racing to submit opposition to the legal actions. In one case, the government sought to recalendar proceedings against a man who was dead.
033
Rachel Uranga @racheluranga.bsky.social · 06/08/2025
After weeks of relative quiet, the immigration raid on a Home Depot in Westlake early Wednesday morning revived fears of widespread sweeps in Los Angeles as U.S. Border Patrol Sector Chief Greg Bovino warned, “We’re not leaving.” www.latimes.com/california/s...
latimes.com
Federal agents use Penske rental truck as 'Trojan Horse' to raid Los Angeles Home Depot
Border Patrol agents reportedly arrested 16 people at a Home Depot in Westlake on Wednesday. They utilized Penske trucks to carry out the arrests.
010
Reposted by Rachel Uranga
The Washington Post @washingtonpost.com · 13/07/2025
Breaking news: Federal immigration officers may deport immigrants with as little as six hours’ notice to countries other than their own, even without assurances that the arrivals will be safe from persecution or torture, a top official said.
washingtonpost.com
ICE memo outlines plan to deport migrants to countries where they are not citizens
The dramatic shift in policy could result in thousands of immigrants being deported to places where they lack family ties or even a common language.
128790075227
Reposted by Rachel Uranga
Los Angeles Times @latimes.com · 12/07/2025
Border Patrol agent charged with drunkenly attacking Long Beach cop while off duty
latimes.com
Border Patrol agent charged with drunkenly attacking Long Beach cop while off duty
Isaiah Hodgson, 29, was charged with resisting arrest, battery and weapons offenses for the drunken incident on July 7.
13714
Rachel Uranga @racheluranga.bsky.social · 10/07/2025
Immigration Officials Used Shadowy Pro-Israel Group to Target Student Activists www.nytimes.com/2025/07/09/u...
nytimes.com
Immigration Officials Used Shadowy Pro-Israel Group to Target Student Activists
120
Rachel Uranga @racheluranga.bsky.social · 10/07/2025
In the long shadow of his policies, local and national observers alike are paying renewed attention to Stephen Miller’s upbringing in the famously liberal enclave once dubbed “the People’s Republic of Santa Monica.” @sherlyholmes.bsky.social
latimes.com
Stephen Miller finally gets his revenge on L.A.
In the long shadow of his policies, renewed attention is being paid to Miller’s upbringing in the famously liberal enclave once dubbed "the People’s Republic of Santa Monica."
011
Reposted by Rachel Uranga
Los Angeles Times @latimes.com · 08/07/2025
ICE leaves cars abandoned, lawn mowers running when it arrests workers: A new push to secure property
latimes.com
ICE leaves cars abandoned, lawn mowers running when it arrests workers: A new push to secure property
Santa Ana police announced it would attempt to return abandoned property, such as vehicles and work equipment, to relatives of those detained by federal agents.
42413
Reposted by Rachel Uranga
Kevin Rector @kevrector.bsky.social · 07/07/2025
California, 17 other states challenge ‘suspicionless’ stops by masked ICE agents in L.A. www.latimes.com/california/s...
latimes.com
California, 17 other states challenge 'suspicionless' stops by masked ICE agents in L.A.
California and a coalition of 17 other states have backed a lawsuit calling for an end to unconstitutional immigration stops in Los Angeles.
15728
Reposted by Rachel Uranga
David Zahniser @davidzahniser.bsky.social · 07/07/2025
The heavily armed federal forces were met with crowds of people screaming “get the f— out!” Mayor Karen Bass, also on the scene, said "they need to leave because this is unacceptable." From the LAT's @melissagomez.bsky.social, @racheluranga.bsky.social & many others www.latimes.com/california/s...
latimes.com
Heavily armed immigration agents descend on MacArthur Park in L.A.
Agents on horseback and in armored vehicles participated in a daytime raid in the heart of Los Angeles' immigrant community.
110321
Reposted by Rachel Uranga
David Zahniser @davidzahniser.bsky.social · 23/06/2025
L.A.'s political leaders are looking to sue the Trump administration, saying recent immigration enforcement activities violate the U.S. Constitution. The case could be modeled after a lawsuit filed in February by United Farm Workers. w/ @racheluranga.bsky.social www.latimes.com/california/s...
latimes.com
L.A. city leaders look to file lawsuit over 'unconstitutional' immigration enforcement
Seven council members want the city attorney to seek “immediate legal action” to keep their constituents from being racially profiled or detained without warrants.
07021
Reposted by Rachel Uranga
Nathan Solis @tarantulaarms.bsky.social · 20/06/2025
“They came in on all sides,” said Domingo Rueda Hernandez. Fearful, even as a resident with legal status, he ran behind bags of dirt in the parking lot with others. @brittnymejia.bsky.social @racheluranga.bsky.social reporting for @latimes.com
latimes.com
An ICE raid at a Home Depot in Hollywood shatters an immigrant refuge
Immigration agents arrest dozens around Home Depot in Hollywood, shattering the lives of the vendors and their families who created a makeshift community there.
074
Reposted by Rachel Uranga
Melissa Gomez @melissagomez.bsky.social · 10/06/2025
DHS has responded after Glendale moved to terminate its contract to hold ICE detainees, saying: "Glendale’s politicians stand with criminal illegal aliens, including gang members, rapists, and murderers over American citizens.” w/ @racheluranga.bsky.social www.latimes.com/california/s...
latimes.com
Glendale ends ICE contract, no longer holds detainees
Glendale announces it will end its agreement to hold immigration detainees captured by ICE amid mounting friction over raids in Los Angeles.
021
Reposted by Rachel Uranga
Melissa Gomez @melissagomez.bsky.social · 05/06/2025
On Monday, I watched a Chinese nat'l get detained after a hearing. I followed his case and found he was being held in Glendale. As it turns out, the city is the only one in L.A. County with a longstanding agreement to hold ICE detainees. w/ @racheluranga.bsky.social www.latimes.com/california/s...
latimes.com
L.A. suburb is holding ICE detainees in its city jail, sidelining sanctuary rules
Glendale City Council members defended the contract this week, saying the 2007 agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement is in compliance with state law.
24130
Reposted by Rachel Uranga
Jaweed Kaleem @jaweedkaleem.bsky.social · 05/04/2025
NEW: The Trump administration swiftly cancelled dozens of international student visas Friday at Stanford and University of California campuses, including UCLA, UC Berkeley and UC San Diego. One UC San Diego student was taken into custody at the border for deportation: www.latimes.com/california/s...
latimes.com
Trump administration cancels more than a dozen international student visas at University of California, Stanford
Amid a national sweep over student visas that has hit colleges across the U.S., the Trump administration on Friday canceled more than a dozen international student visas at the University of Californi...
351072737
Reposted by Rachel Uranga
Rebecca Plevin @rebeccaplevin.bsky.social · 31/03/2025
Kids in deportation proceedings — some still infants — do n't have the right to a court-appointed attorney, though the U.S. recognizes the right to a lawyer. Securing one can mean the difference between staying in the country and deportation. @racheluranga.bsky.social
latimes.com
As children are pulled into immigration court, many must fend for themselves
Unaccompanied minors face a new reality under the Trump administration as they lose avenues to legal representation and fears grow about expediting removals.
052
Reposted by Rachel Uranga
Rebecca Plevin @rebeccaplevin.bsky.social · 19/02/2025
“This means that children are expected to show up in court, as of tomorrow, on their own, with no legal counsel, and try to defend themselves from deportation in an adversarial system." via @racheluranga.bsky.social
latimes.com
Trump administration halts legal representation for 26,000 immigrant children
The Trump administration has paused a program providing 4,000 children in California with immigration lawyers. Some are just months old.
01813
Reposted by Rachel Uranga
Melissa Gomez @melissagomez.bsky.social · 19/02/2025
“These are children with literally no adults here in the United States. So they have nobody to refer to, to say, ‘Hey, can you help me find a private attorney?’ These are kids, literally.” by @racheluranga.bsky.social www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
latimes.com
Trump administration halts legal representation for 26,000 immigrant children
The Trump administration has paused a program providing 4,000 children in California with immigration lawyers. Some are just months old.
075
Reposted by Rachel Uranga
Rebecca Plevin @rebeccaplevin.bsky.social · 13/02/2025
“If it’s an apartment, a church, or building whatever it may be, we will call people to surround the place and stop them... united on the issue of defending migrants and immigrants.” via @racheluranga.bsky.social
latimes.com
Immigrant rights activists vow to disrupt ICE raids in California
A coalition of immigrant activists calling itself 'the Community Self-Defense Coalition' says it will alert the community to ICE agents.
02010
Reposted by Rachel Uranga
Laura J. Nelson @laurajnelson.bsky.social · 13/02/2025
The Army Corps of Engineers won't order soil testing at properties destroyed in the Eaton and Palisades fires, breaking with a long-standing safeguard to ensure no lingering contamination is left behind after the wildfires: www.latimes.com/environment/...
latimes.com
Feds won't test soil after L.A. wildfire cleanup, potentially leaving contamination behind
In the wake of the Eaton and Palisades fires, Army Corps officials are saying that excavating six inches of topsoil is enough to rid properties of contamination.
12113
Reposted by Rachel Uranga
suhauna hussain @suhauna.bsky.social · 16/01/2025
Border Patrol operation near Bakersfield last week netted 78 arrests, sparking fears among farmworkers across the Central Valley. story from @racheluranga.bsky.social and Andrea Castillo www.latimes.com/politics/sto...
latimes.com
'They just got my uncle': Immigration arrests spark fear among farmworkers in Central Valley
Dozens have been arrested in the heavily agricultural Kern County during a multiple-day operation by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
062
Reposted by Rachel Uranga
Karen Garcia @karenmg.bsky.social · 15/01/2025
Part of the reason wildfire smoke from the Los Angeles-area fires is particularly concerning is because — in addition to PM2.5 — the smoke from this disaster can include harmful components that were part of houses, items inside the home, buildings & cars that burned. www.latimes.com/california/s...
latimes.com
What threats lurk in the smoke and ash of L.A.-area fires? New health warnings
Officials are warning of windblown ash and other pollutants from Los Angeles-area fires and say air quality readers won't pick up on the ash pollutants.
1469
Rachel Uranga @racheluranga.bsky.social · 14/01/2025
In a moment of anguish where people desperately want heroes and villains to make sense of their own pain, Bass has undoubtedly become a punching bag for portions of the city. @sherlyholmes.bsky.social on the mayor's political struggles as the city burns. www.latimes.com/california/s...
latimes.com
With her city in flames, L.A. Mayor Karen Bass' political future hangs in the balance
It remains unclear how much the city and its mayor will ultimately be to blame for the explosive horror of the Palisades fire.
100
Reposted by Rachel Uranga
Laura J. Nelson @laurajnelson.bsky.social · 08/01/2025
LA Times journalists will be working theough the night to keep you updated on the fires burning in the Pacific Palisades and in the Pasadena/Altadena area. You can follow live updates here: www.latimes.com/california/l...
latimes.com
Evacuations underway in Pacific Palisades and Altadena as two fast-moving fires are fueled by dangerous winds
The Palisades fire had grown to more than 2,900 acres as of Tuesday evening, driven by ‘life-threatening and destructive’ winds. The extreme wind event blasting Southern California is forecast to peak...
514871
Reposted by Rachel Uranga
Raul Roa @raulroa.bsky.social · 08/01/2025
Photos: Palisades fire explodes, fueled by gusting Santa Ana winds www.latimes.com/california/s...
latimes.com
Photos: Palisades fire explodes, fueled by gusting Santa Ana winds
Firefighters scrambled to corral a fast-moving wildfire in the Los Angeles hillsides dotted with celebrity homes as a “life-threatening, destructive” windstorm hit Southern California, fanning the bla...
02010
Rachel Uranga @racheluranga.bsky.social · 31/12/2024
The roughly seven-mile stretch of Coast Highway in Laguna Beach is known worldwide for its postcard-perfect views and gateway to the city’s eclectic art and retail scene. But it is also ground zero for drunk drivers. www.latimes.com/california/s...
latimes.com
Laguna Beach is the DUI arrest capital of California. Now, police are taking extreme action
Laguna Beach sends a letter to the business where the person had their last drink after any DUI arrest. The goal is help owners and employees recognize possible patterns in someone having too much to ...
031
Reposted by Rachel Uranga
Mark Z. Barabak @markzbarabak.bsky.social · 21/12/2024
Plans to transform an iconic San Francisco highway into a park ignite recall furor @hannahcwiley.bsky.social www.latimes.com/california/s...
latimes.com
Plans to transform an iconic San Francisco highway into a park ignite recall furor
San Francisco residents voted to permanently close the Upper Great Highway to cars and turn it into a park. That sparked a recall effort against a local lawmaker.
133
Rachel Uranga @racheluranga.bsky.social · 21/12/2024
California e-bike voucher program flooded with almost 100,000 applications in just 45 minutes @karenmg.bsky.social www.latimes.com/california/s...
latimes.com
California e-bike voucher program flooded with almost 100,000 applications in just 45 minutes
The California Air Resources Board said vouchers for its E-Bike Incentive Project are temporarily unavailable after applicants flooded the agency with requests.
143
Reposted by Rachel Uranga
Sammy Roth @sammyroth.bsky.social · 12/12/2024
Lower-income Californians can get $2,000 rebates on electric bikes. My @latimes.com colleague @karenmg.bsky.social explains how: www.latimes.com/california/s...
latimes.com
Here's how you can get California to help pay for your e-bike this Christmas
Eligible Californians can apply for up to $2,000 for the purchase of an e-bike, thanks for a state incentive program.
0107
Reposted by Rachel Uranga
Karen Garcia @karenmg.bsky.social · 13/12/2024
On X, the DMV issued a statement Thursday, saying the department is “taking swift action to recall these shocking plates, and we will immediately strengthen our internal review process to ensure such an egregious oversight never happens again.” www.latimes.com/california/s...
latimes.com
DMV apologizes for license plate that mocks Oct. 7 attack on Israel
The California Department of Motor Vehicles issues an apology over a license plate that says "LOL" in reference to the Oct. 7 attack on Israel.
021
Rachel Uranga @racheluranga.bsky.social · 18/12/2024
U.S. EPA approves two California emission rules, including EV mandate www.latimes.com/environment/...
latimes.com
U.S. EPA approves two California emission rules, including EV mandate
Under the Clean Air Act, California can adopt more stringent vehicle emission requirements than the federal government, but must obtain a waiver from the EPA.
072
Reposted by Rachel Uranga
Sammy Roth @sammyroth.bsky.social · 14/12/2024
“You can’t have four representatives from the city of L.A. and none of them representing the Valley.” Time for Mayor Karen Bass to appoint a new Metro board member: www.latimes.com/california/n... via @missdakotasmith.bsky.social @racheluranga.bsky.social @davidzahniser.bsky.social
latimes.com
Bass gets a pick for Metro. Will it be a Valley person?
San Fernando Valley leaders say the mayor should replace former Councilmember Paul Krekorian, who just left Metro's board, with another Valley resident.
151
Reposted by Rachel Uranga
Graham Dunbar @gdunbarap.bsky.social · 05/12/2024
apnews.com/article/trum...
apnews.com
Olympics leader Bach talks up working with President-elect Trump toward 2028 Los Angeles Games
IOC president Thomas Bach says Olympic leaders are “very confident and relaxed” about working with the incoming Trump administration ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Games.
022
Rachel Uranga @racheluranga.bsky.social · 05/12/2024
Termed out councilman Paul Krekorian to oversee LA's handling of the 2026 World Cup, the 2028 Olympic Games and other megaevents. If the Olympics fails to bring in enough money, LA could be on the hook for the first $270 million and potentially millions more. www.latimes.com/california/s...
latimes.com
Departing L.A. Councilmember Paul Krekorian will be city liaison for Olympics
The veteran city lawmaker will serve as the primary liaison between Mayor Karen Bass’ office and LA28, the group organizing and paying for the Games.
161
Reposted by Rachel Uranga
Ryan Fonseca @ryan-fonseca.bsky.social · 27/11/2024
Reporting from @racheluranga.bsky.social : "Inside [Metro], officials are worried that they are running out of time and money to prepare for the Games. And with many of the Olympic venues still not chosen, some are wondering whether a new administration may influence the selection."
latimes.com
L.A. politicians ask Trump for $3.2 billion to pay for Olympic transportation projects
Officials are emphasizing the grandeur of the Olympics as a global event and hoping the Trump administration funds public transit. More than $2 billion will be needed to run enough buses to get specta...
186
Rachel Uranga @racheluranga.bsky.social · 26/11/2024
“We will intervene if the Trump Administration eliminates the federal tax credit, doubling down on our commitment to clean air and green jobs in California,” Newsom said in a statement.
latimes.com
California to offer EV rebates if Trump kills $7,500 tax credit, Newsom says
California is prepared to offer state tax rebates for electric vehicle purchases if the incoming Trump administration scuttles the federal EV tax credit, the governor said.
2124
Reposted by Rachel Uranga
Jen Yamato @jenyamato.bsky.social · 24/11/2024
While I’m here I think I’ll share a taste of the random sights & sounds & bits & bobs of the often zany, occasionally inspired, frequently random life of a film culture writer/lover in LA Behold: The GLADIATOR 2 (GLADIIATOR?) LA Metro bus stop… aka my Roman Empire
A Los Angeles Metro bus stop decorated in the extravagant period style of the film Gladiator 2 (2024)
3506