Democrat Los Angeles City Councilwoman Ysabel Jurado is calling for “immediate answers” after a federal sweep of alleged drug dealers in Skid Row, claiming “residents” are being “prevented from returning to their tents and accessing belongings.”
The Department of Justice announced Thursday afternoon that a joint law enforcement task force swept through the city’s infamous Skid Row area, arresting 23 of 28 defendants charged with drug trafficking. Following the operation, Jurado’s office issued a press release stating it is “seeking an urgent briefing, verifying conditions with community partners and identifying resources for affected residents.”
“Reports that Skid Row residents are being prevented from returning to their tents and accessing their belongings are deeply concerning,” Jurado said. “People must be able to access essential medication, medical equipment, and care, and residents deserve clear information about restrictions affecting their homes and safety.”
Jurado went on to state that while law enforcement described the operation as targeting drug trafficking, the purpose doesn’t “remove the responsibility to protect residents’ rights and well-being.” (RELATED: The Whole City Of LA Is Now Skid Row)
“I am calling on the agencies involved to explain the scope of these restrictions and ensure there is a safe process for residents to obtain essential belongings and reach services,” Jurado continued. “Skid Row residents deserve protection from exploitation and violence, and they deserve dignity and accountability from the institutions responsible for their safety.”
According to the DOJ’s press release, the sweep was part of a Homeland Security Task Force operation, mirroring a previous sweep that occurred in MacArthur Park in May. During the investigation, law enforcement stated that they searched 20 residences, most of which were outside of Skid Row, along with several tents that were allegedly associated with drug dealing inside Skid Row.
The sweep resulted in the seizure of firearms and drugs, including suspected methamphetamine, cocaine, cocaine base and pills, as well as bulk currency and luxury vehicles.
“Today’s operation targeted drug traffickers who prey on some of the most vulnerable members of the community. They targeted the homeless in Skid Row, kept them addicted on drugs like PCP, and took their public assistance money for payment,” First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli stated on Thursday.
“We will use every lawful tool to dismantle the networks flooding Skid Row with deadly drugs. Those dealing drugs are looking at mandatory prison sentences. This operation is just the beginning. More to come,” Essayli added.
In response to Jurado’s statement, Essayli posted on X that the councilwoman and the Los Angeles Community Action Network (LACAN) are “part of the problem in Skid Row.”
“They are fiercely anti-law enforcement and focus their efforts on protecting criminals who exploit the homeless. Under their watch, gangs and thugs run Skid Row, supplying the worst drugs imaginable, stealing money and raping or killing anyone in their way,” Essayli wrote.
“Rather than working with LAPD to arrest drug dealers, LACAN advocates handing out millions of dollars’ worth of needles and crack pipes while harassing officers. We are proud of yesterday’s operation,” Essayli added. “If the councilwoman disliked yesterday’s actions, she will be very displeased in the months ahead.”
Skid Row has long been known as one of the country’s most open drug markets. Reports have often described it as a known spot to buy fentanyl, cocaine, crack, meth and PCP, with street-level dealers conducting hand-to-hand sales out of tents and makeshift structures.
An analysis of Los Angeles Police Department and medical examiner data found Skid Row’s homicide rate was more than 17 times the citywide average in 2024, and “unsheltered people” citywide accounted for 16% of murder victims despite being under 1% of the population, according to The LA Local in July.
Notably, conditions on Skid Row have gone viral online as animal rescuer Joey Tuccio, with non-profit Starts With One Today, has been on the ground for months documenting animal abuse in the area, including dogs that have overdosed after ingesting drugs left around.
Just last week, Tuccio had been attempting to get in contact with Jurado’s office about the abuse of dogs in her district, such as a dog named Ocean being buried alive; however, the pleas for help had gone unanswered until Wednesday.
Tuccio posted on Instagram Wednesday that after days of pleading with Jurado’s office to meet with the councilwoman herself, the closed-door meeting—which on-the-ground reporter Jorge Ventura was not allowed to enter—raised concerns about Jurado’s knowledge of what is happening in her district.
Jurado’s office did not immediately respond to the Daily Signal’s request for comment.
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[ H/T The Daily Signal ]
