Penske Condemns Unauthorized DHS Truck Use in Los Angeles Immigration Raid

A recent immigration raid by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents in Los Angeles involved the use of Penske rental trucks to transport agents covertly to a Home Depot location, prompting criticism and concern from local officials and organizations. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass condemned the raids as potentially violating a federal court ruling against racial profiling and criticized the use of disguised tactics and rental trucks, describing them as "un-American" and dangerous. Penske Truck Rental issued a statement distancing itself from the operation, emphasizing its strict prohibition of transporting people in the cargo areas of its vehicles, and stated it was unaware of and did not authorize the use of its trucks for the raid. DHS responded by highlighting Penske's previous silence when their trucks were used in a 2023 human smuggling case involving nearly 60 illegal immigrants, accusing the company of hypocrisy. Social media and public reactions have included mockery of Penske's stance and debates over the appropriateness of using rental trucks for such operations. The incident has intensified the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement tactics and corporate responsibility in such government actions.