Penske says its rental trucks were misused during a DHS-led immigration raid in Los Angeles that targeted gang activity and resulted in multiple arrests. The company claims it was never informed or asked for permission to use its branded vehicles.
Key Facts:
- DHS used Penske rental trucks in an early-morning immigration operation at a Home Depot near MacArthur Park, Los Angeles.
- Penske said it was not notified or asked for permission and called the use of its vehicles “improper.”
- The operation led to 16 arrests; DHS said the area is controlled by the MS-13 gang.
- Penske prohibits transporting people in the cargo area of its trucks under all circumstances.
- President Trump had previously deployed federal troops to LA amid backlash over immigration enforcement.
The Rest of The Story:
On Wednesday morning, Department of Homeland Security agents launched a raid at a Home Depot in Los Angeles, using Penske trucks to enter the site. The operation occurred around 7 a.m. in the MacArthur Park area, a location DHS has identified as being under the influence of MS-13 gang members.
Federal agents jumped out of the trucks, which were parked in the lot, catching migrants by surprise. Many scattered as agents swarmed the area. Sixteen individuals were taken into custody during the operation.
The use of Penske trucks caught the attention of the company itself. In a social media post, Penske stated, “Penske strictly prohibits the transportation of people in the cargo area of its vehicles under any circumstances. The company was not made aware that its trucks would be used in today’s operation and did not authorize this.”
Penske added that it will be reaching out to DHS to “reinforce its policy” and to prevent similar incidents in the future. There is no indication that Penske had any role in organizing or facilitating the raid.
Penske when an illegal uses their truck for human smuggling: 😴😴😴
Penske when DHS uses their trucks for ICE operations: 🤬😭😤 pic.twitter.com/jYN0CVyuOA
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) August 6, 2025
This latest incident comes after heightened tensions in the region over immigration enforcement. In June, LA saw multiple days of protests and clashes with law enforcement after similar operations. In response, President Trump federalized the National Guard and deployed Marines to restore order. California officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom, harshly criticized the move.
Commentary:
This situation puts both DHS and Penske in a tough spot. On one hand, the mission of Immigration and Customs Enforcement is clear: locate, detain, and remove illegal aliens—especially those with gang ties or criminal records. Targeting MS-13 strongholds is a matter of national security and public safety. That part of the operation is commendable and necessary.
But where the operation may have gone sideways is in the optics and logistics. If DHS did not secure permission to use Penske trucks in this raid, that’s a problem. Private companies have a right to know how their property is being used—especially when their brand and reputation are on the line.
Penske isn’t accused of harboring illegals or knowingly assisting DHS. They’re a transportation services business, not a government contractor. Using their trucks in a covert operation without prior consent could damage their image with customers and partners.
From a branding and liability standpoint, Penske has every reason to push back. Their trucks were seen rolling into a politically sensitive operation, in a city already on edge from recent immigration clashes. That’s not what they signed up for.
ICE and DHS must operate with both authority and accountability. They can’t trample over private enterprise in the name of enforcement. They need to coordinate better and get proper approvals when private property is involved—even if it’s just a rental truck.
That said, this doesn’t diminish the urgency or legitimacy of the mission. MS-13’s control over parts of LA is a real threat, and DHS is right to go after them. But they also have to respect the rights and interests of law-abiding American companies along the way.
It’s not a question of picking sides. It’s a matter of both sides—law enforcement and private enterprise—doing things by the book.
The Bottom Line:
Penske objected to the use of its trucks during a DHS immigration raid in Los Angeles, saying it had no knowledge or involvement. While ICE’s mission is necessary and commendable, the agency must also respect the property and branding of private companies. Strong immigration enforcement doesn’t excuse bypassing consent from law-abiding American businesses.
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