Trump directs ICE to expand deportations in Democratic-run cities, including Los Angeles

Several people were reportedly taken into custody in an ICE raid outside a Home Depot in Whittier on Monday.

Video from the scene shows a group of protesters gathered outside the store.

Several people were reportedly taken into custody in an ICE raid outside a Home Depot in Whittier on Monday.

A witness told Eyewitness News that about 10 people were taken into custody. Another witness said he was detained but later released after showing paperwork to prove he is in the country legally.

The city of Whittier confirmed that federal immigration officials were also present Monday at the Whittier Public Library parking lot and in front of Whittier City Hall.

In a statement on social media, the city said it did not receive any advanced alerts regarding the ICE activity.

The city of Whittier emphasized that it is not housing any ICE detainees and it is not working with any federal immigration agencies.

"We understand how stressful and upsetting this is for many in our community. We urge residents to remain calm, avoid confrontation, and prioritize personal safety," the city wrote in a statement. "We remain committed to transparency and will continue to share updates as we receive new information."

The Los Angeles Police Department announced on Monday that the city is going on "Tactical Alert."

"The City of Los Angeles has declared a Tactical Alert," the LAPD wrote on X. "All uniformed personnel are to remain on duty."

The term signifies a heightened level of response and preparedness where officers can be kept on past their shift end time and moved around between divisions.

This type of response is often deployed when major events occur in the city, which require significant resources.

The National Guardsmen on active duty in Los Angeles are carrying weapons but don't have rounds in the chamber, and they aren't using rubber bullets or pepper spray, according to a U.S. official.

The Rules of Force that they are operating under call for them to de-escalate any incidents as much as possible, two U.S. officials said. They also have the right to self-defense.

The Marines and the National Guard personnel receiving orders to deploy to LA will operate under similar rules of force, according to two U.S. officials. That means they're tasked with protecting federal buildings and federal personnel only; they won't patrol streets, try to engage people or detain rioters on behalf of police, the officials said.

These Marines and guard personnel aren't using rubber bullets or pepper spray either, but they will carry ammunition as part of their uniforms that can be used in the rare case of self-defense, the officials said.

U.S. Northern Command confirmed Monday it has activated the approximately 700 Marines to join some 2,100 National Guard soldiers in what it is referring to as Task Force 51.

Task Force 51 forces are protecting federal personnel and property and "have been trained in de-escalation, crowd control, and standing rules for the use of force," it said.

California union leader David Huerta has been released from federal custody on a $50,000 bond.

Huerta was arrested Friday while protesting immigration raids in Los Angeles. He's the president of SEIU California, a powerful labor union.

His arrest has become a rallying cry for union members nationwide and Democratic politicians who have called for his release.

His release Monday came as marchers were moving through downtown after a rally by the SEIU.

READ MORE: SEIU President David Huerta released from custody on $50k bond following arrest during ICE raid