A late-night law enforcement operation at a Lilburn-area strip mall sparked confusion and fear among Hispanic residents who rushed to the scene believing it might be an immigration raid.
Unmarked vehicles and officers wearing masks and ballistic vests arrived at the Indian Trail Court plaza Thursday night, taking several people into custody, towing a red truck and searching multiple businesses.
The presence of masked officers — some in plain clothes, sneakers and ripped jeans — quickly spread through the neighborhood, drawing at least 20 residents who followed and recorded the operation.
Community members said the lack of clear information heightened fears that it was an ICE operation.
Gwinnett County police have not confirmed the nature of the investigation, but officers on scene were wearing vests identifying them as Gwinnett police.
Residents argued officers should have communicated more directly to ease concerns in a county that has the metro area’s largest immigrant population.
According to the U.S. Census, about 14% of Gwinnett County residents are non-U.S. citizens.
Police have not released details about the purpose of the operation. FOX 5 Atlanta has reached out for information about the raid.
