A group of protesters gathered at a Home Depot in Monrovia, California, for what they called a “buy-in” demonstration aimed at opposing Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The protest involved [1] participants purchasing ice scrapers, standing in checkout lines to occupy space, and then returning the items in an attempt to hinder store operations.
Some protesters wore orange aprons resembling Home Depot employee attire and held signs criticizing both ICE and the company.
Organizers said the point of the demonstration was to “scrape ICE out of their stores.”
Video posted on X showed participants explaining their purchases as they waited at self-checkout stations.
Each protester cited the ice scraper as a symbolic stand against immigration enforcement.
One individual, however, read the label on his item aloud and revealed he had purchased an Anvil plastic putty knife.
The video also showed other protesters holding similar items.
Those are plastic putty knives. pic.twitter.com/DDGbcAYciW [2]
— Chieftog (@Chieftog) November 23, 2025 [3]
Home Depot issued a statement clarifying that the company does not coordinate with federal immigration authorities.
“We aren’t notified that immigration enforcement activities are going to happen, and often, we don’t know operations have taken place until they’re over,” the company said.
“We’re required to follow all federal and local rules and regulations in every market where we operate.”
The company added that it is not involved in immigration enforcement and does not have advance knowledge of any related operations.
Public records and prior statements indicate that ICE and Border Patrol operations are not conducted in coordination with Home Depot or other retail stores.
The protest took place inside the store and in checkout areas as participants moved through lines to complete purchases and immediately process returns.
Employees were shown assisting customers while directing foot traffic around the demonstration. Shoppers in the video encountered lines slowed by protesters standing at self-checkout stations.
The event drew attention online after users circulated clips of the demonstration and highlighted the discrepancy between the items purchased and the stated purpose of the protest.
The video showed multiple participants holding products that were not ice scrapers, despite their statements to the camera.
They’re buying putty knives. And saying they’re ice scrapers. Because they’re f**king retards lol. https://t.co/m6SQr0Zf1Y [4]
— Oilfield Rando (@Oilfield_Rando) November 23, 2025 [5]
The demonstration follows similar actions at businesses across the country as some activist groups continue to hold protests in opposition to federal immigration enforcement.
The Monrovia event is one of several that have taken place in California in recent months, typically involving symbolic gestures rather than large-scale gatherings.
According to information released by Home Depot, the company’s policies require compliance with federal and state regulations but do not involve operational support for federal immigration agencies.
The company has publicly stated that it is neither consulted nor informed about immigration-related activity in advance.
The Monrovia demonstration concluded without any reported arrests or physical confrontations.
Store operations resumed normally following the protest, and customers were shown continuing to shop as the event dispersed.
ICE has not issued statements regarding the demonstration, and there is no indication that immigration enforcement activity occurred at or near the store at the time of the protest.