Police action in Palm Springs Thursday was SWAT exercise, not linked to ICE

A large police presence in south Palm Springs Thursday morning was the result of a SWAT training exercise, according to the Palm Springs Police Department.

Police vehicles from Palm Springs, Indio and Cathedral City could be seen idling at the intersection of Belardo Road and Mesquite Avenue at around 8:30 a.m., Thursday. Some civilian cars were also parked in the same group, causing some to speculate online of a large immigration enforcement action.

But PSPD Spokesperson Mike Villegas said the local police agencies were conducting a SWAT training exercise in the nearby foothills and not responding to an ICE raid.

Still, some immigration enforcement activity appeared to be taking place elsewhere in the city. A Desert Sun photographer saw individuals with the word "police" emblazoned on their vests arrest a landscaper on Sunny Dunes Road Thursday morning.

ICE has said in the past it will not confirm their its to reporters due to the fast pace at which the agency worked.

An ICE officer takes photos after detaining a man on the 1400 block of Sunny Dunes Rd. in Palm Springs, Calif., July 10, 2025.

The region has been on edge ever since President Donald Trump increased deportations. Several businesses have been subjected to searches by federal agencies, including Loco Charlie's Mexican Grill, which unexpectedly closed early at the beginning of July following a search by ICE agents.

In mid-June, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration led a large raid on what it called multiple illegal marijuana grows in Thermal that resulted in between 70 and 75 arrests for illegal immigration. The arrests sparked protests in Palm Springs and Indio at the hotels immigration agents were believed to be staying.

Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills has been outspoken on his criticism of some tactics favored by immigration authorities, especially their use of masks and unmarked vehicles.

"You joined a federal (law enforcement) agency to arrest terrorists and bang on cartels. Instead, you are doing jump outs arresting dishwashers and gardeners for working hard," Mills wrote on social media on July 3. "You watch the 4th and 14th amendments violated regularly behind a cloak of secrecy, wearing masks and heavy armor. There are options. (The) Palm Springs Police Department protects the constitution and focuses on things that harm the community. Our community loves and supports us. The choice is yours."

He has asked Palm Springs residents to call 911 if they see masked individuals in civilian outfits making arrests.

Sam Morgen covers the city of Palm Springs for The Desert Sun. Reach him at [email protected].

Police cars line up along Mesquite Avenue for what the Palm Springs Police Department described as a SWAT exercise on Thursday, July 10, 2025.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Police action in Palm Springs Thursday was SWAT exercise, not linked to ICE