Penske Transportation Solutions is facing massive backlash after issuing a tone-deaf statement condemning the Department of Homeland Security for using one of its rental trucks during a successful operation to detain illegal immigrants at a Home Depot in Los Angeles.
Video footage of the dramatic takedown, dubbed Operation Trojan Horse by USBP Chief Patrol Agent Gregory K. Bovino, went viral on social media Tuesday.
A large group of Border Patrol agents jumped out of a Penske box truck in full tactical gear as panicked workers scattered in broad daylight at the busy Home Depot near MacArthur Park.
Illegal aliens were seen running in all directions, but the agents moved quickly, apprehending the majority before they could flee the scene.
Videos from a Fox News reporter, Matt Finn:
Breaking: DHS arrives in Penske trucks at a Home Depot in McArthur Park area of LA for early morning immigration enforcement. The area was filled with migrants who scattered. DHS says MS 13 has a chokehold on this area, which is one reason they’re carrying out the highly… pic.twitter.com/hTskuM9Q4l
— Matt Finn (@MattFinnFNC) August 6, 2025
BREAKING: federal immigration operation underway right now at Home
Depot near McArthur Park in LA, near site where Karen Bass showed up last month during immigration enforcement. pic.twitter.com/UUkJeIAKe9— Matt Finn (@MattFinnFNC) August 6, 2025
“This morning, 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,” a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said in a statement, according to NBC Los Angeles.
Rather than commend the agents for enforcing federal immigration law, Penske responded by apologizing not to Americans, but to the illegal immigrants.
“Penske Truck Rental is aware of recent reports and videos regarding a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) operation in Los Angeles,” the company 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 will reach out to DHS and reinforce its policy to avoid improper use of its vehicles in the future.”
A statement from Penske Truck Rental pic.twitter.com/R000nxtda0
— Penske Transportation Solutions (@PenskeNews) August 6, 2025
That didn’t sit well with thousands of Americans who took to social media to torch the company for prioritizing woke virtue-signaling over national security.
Below are some of the comments:
By issuing this statement regarding lawful actions by ICE, but not issuing a similar statement when people, including children, were trafficked in Penske Trucks, you have conceded that you are a co-conspirator to human trafficking. RICO indictment forthcoming.
— Cernovich (@Cernovich) August 6, 2025
Interesting how Penske has issues with and puts out statements over our law enforcement enforcing our laws, yet is completely silent when their trucks are used to illegally smuggle people (as young as toddlers) in crazy conditions.
How about we get #BoycottPenske going? pic.twitter.com/jx371WRkQk
— Leftism (@LeftismForU) August 7, 2025
https://t.co/QzPptdqPha
— Cernovich (@Cernovich) August 6, 2025
Are you guys saying you think LEFTISTS are your target market, so you have to quell their tears?
Or are you admitting you rent trucks to illegals and don’t want to lose that market?
It has to be one or the other.
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) August 6, 2025
I just CANCELED rental trucks for my company because you are UNAMERICAN.
The MAJORITY of Americans voted for ICE, jackass.
— Mila Joy (@MilaLovesJoe) August 6, 2025
Will you return your medal? pic.twitter.com/E4h6AVFRYg
— Spitfire (@DogRightGirl) August 6, 2025
Penske only supports actual human trafficking where illegal immigrant migrants and children are harmed in their trucks.
Nobody is saying you must support it, but the hypocrisy and willingness to not care when you do harm is wild. pic.twitter.com/21ofgOKBTT
— Kristi L. Talmadge (@KristiTalmadge) August 6, 2025
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