The Home Depot store in the Cypress Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, US, is facing sharp criticism after installing three high-frequency sound systems. These systems are capable of causing headaches, nausea, and prolonged discomfort for listeners.

Immigrant rights groups in California assert that this measure aims to prevent day laborers, primarily undocumented immigrants, from gathering to seek employment.

IDEPSCA, a non-profit organization supporting day laborers, held a press conference on 22/12. The organization urged the Home Depot chain to remove the devices from its Cypress Park facility. IDEPSCA also called on the company to publicly oppose raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which frequently occur in the store's parking lot.

Noise-emitting devices installed outside the Home Depot branch in Los Angeles. Photo: Fox

IDEPSCA Executive Director Maegan Ortiz described the devices as "repellent speakers" designed to drive day laborers from the area. She noted their installation occurred just days after the most recent ICE raid in Cypress Park.

"We have been here for years, even through the pandemic, providing services and building community. We will not let sound emitters, gates, or intimidation stop us", she said.

One day laborer reported needing to wear earplugs while waiting for work because the sound was "piercing". Others stated the noise caused them headaches, dizziness, and nausea, with ringing in their ears persisting after leaving the parking lot.

Los Angeles City Council Commissioner Eunisses Hernandez condemned the "weaponized sound", noting that similar devices have historically been used as torture tools. Hernandez and IDEPSCA also questioned if the devices, mounted on light poles, are on California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) property rather than Home Depot's, urging the city to investigate.

Home Depot spokesperson George Lane stated the devices are merely a measure to prevent illegal overnight parking, unrelated to immigration law enforcement. In addition to the sound devices, Home Depot also installed a series of yellow barriers to restrict access to the area near IDEPSCA's day laborer support point.

Protesters in Los Angeles clash with police on 15/8. Photo: AFP

Lane asserted the company has numerous initiatives to ensure store safety, including personnel and technology. He emphasized that the company does not coordinate with ICE, is not notified in advance of raids, and does not participate in these operations.

Spokesperson Lane also stated that Home Depot cannot interfere with the operations of federal agencies.

Undocumented day laborers have long gathered outside Home Depot stores across the US to seek general labor jobs, as the chain sells many construction materials. However, during the Donald Trump administration, many locations became targets for illegal immigrant raids.

The Cypress Park facility is described as an ICE hotspot over the past few months, with at least 50 immigrants arrested, according to IDEPSCA. Local media also reported a US citizen was once detained by ICE at this store while their child remained in the car, after which authorities drove away with the child.