Federal Agents Raid El Cajon Business in Worksite Enforcement Operation

 

El Cajon, CA —

A federal raid unfolded Tuesday afternoon at a local El Cajon business, drawing dozens of agents and raising questions about possible worksite violations.

Heavy Federal Presence at Local Coatings Company

San Diego Powdered and Protective Coatings became the center of a multi-agency operation led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Department of Justice, and the Office of the Inspector General. Federal agents surrounded the facility, and the scene quickly drew attention from nearby workers and family members of those inside.

Fox 5's Sierra Encinas, reporting live from the location, described a tense environment. “Families of the people inside [were] now surrounding the building waiting for their loved ones to come out,” she said.

Detainees Processed On-Site

Footage from the scene showed dozens of individuals being escorted out of the building with zip ties around their wrists. Tents were set up nearby, where agents appeared to be processing those detained.

It remains unclear where the individuals were taken following the on-site procedures. One man was seen leaving the building with a plastic bag containing personal belongings, reuniting emotionally with a family member.

Investigation Details Remain Limited

Authorities confirmed that a search warrant was being executed in connection with suspected worksite enforcement violations. Sean Gibson, Special Agent in Charge for HSI in San Diego, stated that due to the nature of the ongoing investigation, further details could not be disclosed at this time.

Locals working near the business expressed surprise, saying they had never witnessed any suspicious activity.

Search Warrant May Reveal More

Officials hinted that the search warrant could soon be unsealed, potentially revealing more information about the scope and nature of the investigation. Until then, the community—and those directly impacted—remain in a state of uncertainty.

Fox 5 News will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as they become available.