BETHLEHEM, Pa. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations division conducted a targeted raid Wednesday at Five10 Flats, a luxury apartment complex in South Bethlehem.
ICE personnel arrived early in the morning in a coordinated operation, with agents entering the premises in unison. At least one vehicle marked “ERO” was visible near the entrance.
Numerous workers, who had been repairing damage from a previous fire, were detained.
“On June 11, 2025 just before 7 am, the Bethlehem Police Department received a courtesy notification from agents with the Department of Homeland Security that federal agents were actively searching for an individual in the area of the 500 block of E. 3rd St related to an immigration violation and criminal investigation,” a statement from Bethlehem Police Department read.
“During this investigation, federal agents reported that one person at the scene was suffering from a medical emergency, and Bethlehem EMS and the Bethlehem Police Department responded to address that issue.”
The Bethlehem Police Department did not participate in the arrest or detention, nor provided law enforcement resources beyond the medical emergency.
Seventeen people were removed from the premises, and BPD directed all other questions to HSI.
Five10 Flats could not be reached for comment. ICE officials also did not respond to a request for comment.
Five10 Flats, marketed as upscale urban living, houses diverse residents. The sudden ICE presence has raised concerns about tenant rights, legal representation, and support services for those affected.
The raid in Bethlehem comes just days after ICE began a nationwide crackdown, including military-backed immigration raids in California that have drawn widespread protests and legal challenges.
In Los Angeles, ICE agents — supported by more than 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 active-duty Marines — conducted immigration enforcement operations across the region, reportedly detaining some legal residents. The military deployment was authorized under Title 10 by former President Donald Trump.
In response, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and state Attorney General Rob Bonta filed an emergency motion in federal court to halt the use of military personnel in immigration enforcement, citing potential violations of the Posse Comitatus Act and state sovereignty.
The outcome of that legal challenge could set a precedent for future ICE operations in Pennsylvania and elsewhere.
Earlier this year, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro refused to authorize the use of state military forces in support of immigration enforcement.
“Governor Shapiro has been clear that our country needs a secure border and Congress needs to pass comprehensive reform to fix our broken immigration system,” said Manuel Bonder, the governor’s spokesman, in March. “This issue requires leaders in both parties to step up and deliver real, comprehensive solutions — not more of the failed talking points and political grandstanding that have brought us decades without immigration reform.”
