Penske ‘did not authorize’ DHS use of its trucks in immigration raid

Penske Truck Rental said Wednesday it “did not authorize” the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to use its trucks in an immigration raid.

“Penske Truck Rental is aware of recent reports and videos regarding a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) operation in Los Angeles,” Penske said in a statement posted on the social platform X.

“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 will reach out to DHS and reinforce its policy to avoid improper use of its vehicles in the future,” the statement continued.

The Los Angeles Times reported that a Wednesday immigration raid in L.A. involved a Penske truck driver at a Home Depot saying he was seeking workers, according to a day laborer.

Multiple Border Patrol agents leaped from the back of the truck while workers surrounded it and more than a dozen were arrested, according to the L.A. Times.

“This week, Border Patrol conducted a targeted raid, dubbed Trojan Horse, in Los Angeles at a Home Depot that resulted in the arrest of 16 illegal aliens from Guatemala, Mexico, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Federal law enforcement will continue utilizing all resources to arrest criminal illegal aliens and keep Americans safe,” a DHS spokesperson told The Hill in an emailed statement Thursday.

The Trump administration has intensely cracked down on immigration since its start in January, especially in Los Angeles. Protests erupted against immigration enforcement in the city a few months ago while President Trump deployed troops to the Southern California city.

After a recent drawdown by the Department of Defense, around 250 National Guard troops were set to stay in Los Angeles to assist in protecting federal personnel and buildings.

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