KEY POINTS
- Trump deployed National Guard and Marines to LA without state approval during anti-ICE protests.
- Violence erupted: tear gas, vandalism, robotaxis burned, and over 200 arrests reported.
- California sued the federal government for overreach and violating state authority.
Los Angeles exploded in protests after Trump ordered ICE raids and deployed federal troops without state approval. Streets turned violent, immigrants were detained, and chaos spread nationwide. California leaders called it an abuse of power. Here’s all you need to know about the LA immigration protest crisis.
From tear gas to torched vehicles, LA protests over Trump’s immigration crackdown spiraled into unrest. Protesters demanded ICE withdrawal and immigrant rights, while clashes with police intensified. A legal showdown now brews between California and Washington. Catch every major update from the violent LA demonstrations and Trump’s controversial response.
What Happened?
Protests broke out in Los Angeles after ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents raided several businesses looking for undocumented immigrants. The raids scared many families, and people started protesting against them.
Why Are People Angry?
- Protesters believe ICE raids target immigrant families and create fear in the community.
- Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom were against these raids and the federal response.
- People say these actions are cruel and unnecessary.
How did Trump react?
- President Donald Trump sent in the National Guard and even Marines to Los Angeles to support ICE and deal with protests.
- He did this without permission from California’s Governor, which hasn’t happened in decades.
- State leaders called this a “complete overreaction.”
- Trump said the action was needed because the city was “out of control.”
What Happened During Protests?
- Some protests were peaceful, but at night, a few turned violent, with people throwing bottles and setting cars on fire.
- Police arrested several people for looting, assault, and using Molotov cocktails.
- Protesters also gathered at airports, federal buildings, and other cities to support LA.
Who Got Arrested?
A union leader named David Huerta was arrested for confronting officers during a protest. His supporters say he was peacefully protesting.
What Do Protesters Want?
- They want ICE to stop the raids.
- They want the federal government to leave local matters to local leaders.
- They say immigrants deserve respect and protection, not fear.
What’s Happening Now?
- Protests are still going on in LA and other cities across the U.S.
- A lawsuit has been filed against the federal government for using force and taking over the state’s authority.
Newsom Slams Trump Overreach
California Gov. Gavin Newsom said President Donald Trump “chose theatrics over public safety” in deploying the National Guard to respond to protests in Los Angeles. He criticized the Trump administration for carrying out mass deportations. When immigration raids took place in Los Angeles, “everyday Angelenos came out to exercise their constitutional right to free speech and assembly, to protest their government’s action,” Newsom said.
Police Begin Mass Arrests After Downtown LA Curfew
Police have started “mass arrests” of protesters after an emergency curfew came into effect for part of downtown Los Angeles.
Members of the Texas National Guard will be deployed to various locations in the state ahead of planned protests this week, Gov. Greg Abbott said. The Republican governor said the Guard “will use every tool & strategy to help law enforcement maintain order.”
The number of people arrested during the protests has jumped day to day since Saturday. The LAPD chief said nearly 200 were taken into custody Tuesday – before the curfew. The mayor said that 23 businesses were looted during four days of protests.
Trump Sends Troops as LA Police Struggle to Control Chaos
Donald Trump’s deployment of Marines to Los Angeles shows a disturbing lack of faith in local police, suggesting they are either unwilling or unable to handle protests and immigration enforcement. Instead of supporting law enforcement with resources or coordination, Trump bypassed them entirely, flooding the city with military force and treating it like enemy territory. This move undermines both the authority of California police and the principles of due process, replacing law and order with fear and control. It signals not strength, but a federal power grab where even the police are sidelined.
What incidents of violence or vandalism occurred during the protests?
On June 7, 2025, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) issued a statement claiming that Los Angeles protests against ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) raids were peaceful, commending responsible First Amendment exercise.
But several reports of violence, including clashes, thrown objects, injured officers, freeway blockages, vandalism, vehicle burning, and police use of tear gas contradict this.
1. CHP Vehicles Damaged as Protesters Throw Rocks, Concrete Blocks from Overpass
Date: June 10, 2025
Place: Los Angeles
Incidents: Protesters on an overpass threw rocks, concrete blocks, and debris at California Highway Patrol (CHP) vehicles, damaging multiple police cruisers. One concrete block struck a police vehicle, prompting cheers from the crowd and a response with flash-bang rounds from CHP officers.
Violent rioters seen throwing bricks at law enforcement vehicles.
Rep. Maxine Waters said this morning the protests are peaceful.
Rep. Judy Chu says LAPD has the situation under control.
Gov. Gavin Newsom says this is Trump's fault.pic.twitter.com/Q8EMGnHsLU
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) June 9, 2025
2. LA Riot Turns Violent as Man Fires Paintball Gun at Federal Officers
Los Angeles Riot guy is a car pulled up with a paint ball gun and shot several volleys at Federal Officers and California National Guardsmen and women.
I snagged this video clip! We got the plate number!
Make him famous! pic.twitter.com/yT8nYkQ2B1
— Moni 💕 (@MoniFunGirl) June 9, 2025
Date: June 10, 2025
Place: Los Angeles
Incidents: Los Angeles Riot guy is a car pulled up with a paintball gun and shot several volleys at Federal Officers and California National Guardsmen and women.
3. A truck pulls up to the protest and starts handing out
Watch this video from Los Angeles. A truck pulls up to the protest and starts handing out brand new gas masks and other supplies to protestors.
This is a well-funded effort to cause destruction. Federal authorities need to go after the people funding it. pic.twitter.com/SyEygGK0P3
— AG (@AGHamilton29) June 10, 2025
Date: June 10, 2025
Place: Los Angeles
Incidents: A truck pulls up to the protest and starts handing out brand new gas masks and other supplies to protestors.
4. Tear Gas and Pepper Balls Fired at LA Protesters Opposing Immigration Raids.
Date: June 9, 2025
Place: Los Angeles
Incidents: Police and National Guard in Los Angeles fired tear gas and pepper balls at protesters without warning. People had gathered to oppose immigration raids ordered by Trump. A group of demonstrators marched from Mariachi Plaza to the federal immigration detention centre, chanting and holding up signs. They were shouting slogans like “ICE out of LA,” referring to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, whose crackdown was the cause of anger and protests across the city.
5. Protesters and Police Clash in Little Tokyo with Foam Rounds and Fireworks.
This is Los Angeles version of a “ peaceful protest “ : pic.twitter.com/TeAuslgAfn
— Miriam Riviera (@miriam_riviera) June 9, 2025
Date: June 9, 2025
Place: Los Angeles
Incidents: Protesters and police faced off, with officers using tear gas, flash bangs, and foam rounds. Fireworks were thrown at police. used dumpsters for protection in Little Tokyo. City crews cleared vandalism and destruction, including burned Waymo cars.
6. Waymo Robotaxis Set on Fire in Downtown LA Amid Immigration Protests.
Multiple Waymo vehicles set ablaze here in LA pic.twitter.com/p2iVDUbEIL
— Brendan Gutenschwager (@BGOnTheScene) June 9, 2025
Date: June 9, 2025
Place: Los Angeles
Incidents: Five Waymo robotaxis were set ablaze in downtown Los Angeles amid widespread protests against the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.
7. Rioter Tries to Ambush LAPD Horse Mounted Unit with Gasoline Trap.
This rioter tried to set a trap for the Horse Mounted Los Angeles Police by trying to light them on fire with a line of gasoline poured in their path.
Is this what they mean by peaceful?
— Spitfire (@DogRightGirl) June 9, 2025
Date: June 9, 2025
Place: Los Angeles
Incidents: A rioter tried to set a trap for the horse-mounted Los Angeles Police by trying to light them on fire with a line of gasoline poured in their path.
8. Australian Journalist Shot with Rubber Bullet While Reporting on LA Protests.
Hey there. Thanks for all your messages – I'm a bit sore, but I'm okay. Important we keep on telling the stories that need to be told. Here's our report on what unfolded in Los Angeles. pic.twitter.com/S8AvjQuFA7
— Lauren Tomasi (@LaurenTomasi) June 9, 2025
Date: June 9, 2025
Place: Los Angeles
Incidents: An Australian reporter Lauren Tomasi has been shot with a rubber bullet while reporting on protests against immigration raids in Los Angeles, with the incident caught live on camera. Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued a statement declaring that “all journalists should be able to do their work safely”, after the Nine News US correspondent Lauren Tomasi was shot.
9. US Flag Set Ablaze as Protesters Chant Anti-Trump Slogans in LA
Date: June 9, 2025
Place: Los Angeles
Incidents: A number of the protesters held high the flags of South American countries like Mexico as the U.S. flag burned on the ground. They also chanted “F-Trump.” Footage from the incident shows a circle of dozens of people, many wearing masks, surrounding an American flag burning on the ground.
10. Nine-Month Pregnant Woman Detained by Federal Agents, Hospitalized After Release
Date: June 9, 2025
Place: Hawthorne, Los Angeles
Incidents: A U.S. citizen Cary Lopez who is nine months pregnant was hospitalized upon her release from immigration custody after she was detained by federal agents in Hawthorne. “I had lost my balance because he was kind of shoving me away from the door,” a tearful Lopez said. “That’s when I kind of leaned forward, trying to protect the stomach.”
11. Protesters Smash LAPD Headquarters Windows, Tear Gas Fired.
Here are rioters smashing the windows of LAPD headquarters one day after LAPD called them “peaceful protesters” https://t.co/YTKCGmAsEZ pic.twitter.com/CjuTUOl8jd
— Mike Benz (@MikeBenzCyber) June 9, 2025
Date: June 8, 2025
Place: Los Angeles
Incidents: Rioters smashed windows of the Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD’s) headquarters on West 1st Street and faced tear gas that officials deployed downtown as agitators clashed with authorities in the city.
12. Downtown LA Erupts: Police Use Tear Gas, Percussion Grenades to Disperse Protesters.
Date: June 8, 2025
Place: Los Angeles
Incidents: Police officers are enveloped in a cloud of smoke from tear gas and percussion grenades while guarding a highway onramp during a protest against federal immigration sweeps in downtown Los Angeles, California.
13. Los Angeles Protester Attacks ICE Motorcade with Large Rocks.
A masked rock throwing criminal in California LA Home Depot, Anti ICE anarchist.
This “immigrant” isn’t working, picking crops or wiping your decrepit parents butts, Demonrats. Arrest Prosecute Deport. pic.twitter.com/45x27QdXBn— A D (@aaiden35928) June 7, 2025
Date: June 8, 2025
Place: Paramount, Los Angeles
Incidents: A protester in Los Angeles was seen throwing large rocks at a motorcade as US Immigration and Customs Enforcement continued arresting several rioters in the area, particularly in Paramount. The protester, who was wearing a helmet, has not been identified yet.
14. Dale’s Donuts Shop Closed Permanently After Violent Protest, LAPD Inaction.
BREAKING – The iconic American-owned Dale’s Donuts in Los Angeles has permanently closed after a group of illegals set a car on fire in front of their business during anti-ICE protest and the LAPD did nothing. pic.twitter.com/inpxi9Jadf
— Right Angle News Network (@Rightanglenews) June 8, 2025
Date: June 8, 2025
Place: Los Angeles
Incidents: The iconic American-owned Dale’s Donuts ( a popular doughnut shop, is known for its delicious treats) in Los Angeles has permanently closed after a group of illegals set a car on fire in front of their business during an anti-ICE protest, and the LAPD did nothing.
FAQ’s on LA Protests
1. What triggered the protests in Los Angeles, and how did they escalate?
The protests in Los Angeles were triggered by immigration raids conducted by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), where federal agents began arresting and detaining individuals suspected of being undocumented immigrants. These raids sparked public outrage, especially among immigrant communities and civil rights advocates, who viewed the actions as violations of constitutional rights and due process.
As the raids continued, protests escalated into widespread unrest, especially in downtown Los Angeles. Demonstrators took to the streets to block ICE operations, and tensions grew between protesters and law enforcement. Over several days, some protests turned violent, with looting of major stores like Apple and Adidas, and clashes with police. In response, President Donald Trump deployed the National Guard and eventually U.S. Marines, which only intensified criticism and unrest, especially from California officials who viewed the move as federal overreach.
The situation turned into a larger confrontation between state and federal authority, with mass arrests, curfews, and aggressive policing, fueling fears that law enforcement was being militarized to suppress dissent rather than protect public safety. CBS NEWS
2. How did the ICE raids contribute to public outrage and mobilization?
The ICE raids in Los Angeles triggered public outrage and mass mobilization due to their aggressive, militarized nature. Agents stormed workplaces and homes without judicial warrants, often in tactical gear, which many saw as violating constitutional rights. Community fear quickly turned into anger as videos and reports of flash-bang grenades and detentions without cause spread online.
The situation escalated further when news broke of a federal deportation quota, prompting protests across the city and condemnation from officials like Governor Gavin Newsom. The perception that ICE was targeting immigrants indiscriminately, coupled with the federal government’s refusal to back down, sparked days of demonstrations and civil unrest.
3. What were the protesters’ main demands, and how did they evolve over time?
The protests in Los Angeles were initially triggered by aggressive ICE raids targeting undocumented immigrants, which led to widespread outrage over the lack of due process and the detention of community leaders like union organizer David Huerta. As federal authorities, including the National Guard and U.S. Marines, were deployed under orders from President Trump, protesters’ demands evolved from stopping deportations to broader calls for the protection of immigrant rights, the withdrawal of military forces, and the upholding of constitutional liberties. The movement gained momentum nationwide, with cities like San Francisco joining in solidarity. Protesters emphasized their opposition to what they viewed as authoritarian overreach and demanded local and federal accountability.
4. What was the impact of the deployment of the National Guard on the protests?
The deployment of National Guard troops, and later U.S. Marines, in Los Angeles had a chilling effect on the protests: while intended to quell violence and protect federal property, many observers say it escalated tensions, turned peaceful demonstrations into militarized standoffs, and blurred the line between law enforcement and occupation Critics argue that instead of restoring calm, the military presence intimidated communities, drew harsh criticism from state leaders, and sparked legal challenges, raising concern over civil rights and democratic norms.
5. Were any activist groups involved in the riots?
Several activist groups played a role in supporting and mobilizing the protests in Los Angeles following the ICE raids. Organizations like Unión del Barrio were involved on the ground, helping organize resistance and confrontations with federal agents. Other left-leaning nonprofits, such as Operation Healthy Hearts, LA Poverty Department, and MAST, provided protestors with protective gear like masks and goggles, signaling structured support during the riots. Although the riots were largely spontaneous, these groups contributed to logistical coordination and protest messaging, blurring the line between peaceful demonstration and escalating unrest.
6. What were the most intense clashes between protesters and law enforcement?
The most intense clashes occurred during nightly confrontations in downtown Los Angeles, where protesters hurled concrete blocks, rocks, and fireworks at CHP and LAPD units stationed along freeway overpasses, prompting officers to deploy tear gas, rubber bullets, bean bag rounds, flash-bang grenades, and pepper balls to disperse crowds and protect federal buildings. In one harrowing incident, a New York Post photographer was struck in the forehead by a rubber bullet while covering the protests, and flash-bang grenades injured trans activist Jen Richards, who described LAPD’s tactics as “rabid aggression.”
7. How did the protests spread to other cities beyond Los Angeles?
Protests triggered by ICE raids in Los Angeles rapidly spread across the United States as local communities and activists rallied in solidarity. By June 8, demonstrations had erupted in cities such as San Francisco, New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Seattle, Boston, and more, ranging from peaceful vigils at federal courthouses to confrontations involving tear gas and arrests in other regions
The movement gained momentum as participants drew inspiration from LA, with coordinated rallies and calls for immigrant protections emerging nationwide and highlighting the growing resistance to aggressive federal immigration enforcement.
8. What were the major locations where protests took place?
Downtown LA, particularly around federal buildings like the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building, the Metropolitan Detention Center, and LAPD headquarters, where nightly standoffs between protesters and police took place.
Freeways and overpasses, such as the 101 freeway near Spring, Main, and Arcadia streets, where thousands of protesters marched and disrupted traffic.
9. How did law enforcement respond, including the use of curfews and arrests?
Law enforcement in Los Angeles responded to the protests with a mix of curfews, riot control tactics, and mass arrests: Mayor Karen Bass imposed an overnight curfew on a one-square-mile section of downtown, and LAPD deployed officers on horseback along with tear gas, pepper balls, flash-bang grenades, and rubber bullets to enforce it. Nearly 200 people were arrested for failing to disperse, as officials aimed to curb looting and vandalism. National Guard troops stood behind police lines, bolstering federal presence but not directly making arrests, while California state leaders pursued legal challenges to the militarized response.
10. How did local and state officials react to the protests?
Local and state officials in California responded swiftly with strong criticism and legal action: Mayor Karen Bass sharply condemned the ICE raids as “cruel and chaotic” and imposed a curfew in downtown LA to restore order. Governor Gavin Newsom denounced the federal troop deployment as “purposefully inflammatory,” stating it risked escalating tensions, and launched an emergency lawsuit to block use of the National Guard and Marines without state approval. Both officials emphasized support for peaceful protest while urging de-escalation and defending constitutional rights
11. What was the public sentiment toward the protests, supportive or divided?
Public sentiment toward the protests was deeply divided: a YouGov poll showed 47% of U.S. adults disapproved of the military-style response, National Guard and Marine deployments, while only 34% supported it; simultaneously, 45% disapproved of the protests themselves. This split underscores the partisan and generational fault lines, some viewed the escalated response as necessary for law and order, while others saw it as authoritarian overreach harming free expression and immigrant communities.
12. How did media coverage shape perceptions of the protests?
Mainstream and social media coverage greatly influenced how people perceived the LA protests by spotlighting dramatic, emotionally charged imagery, such as mounted police charging crowds, burning cars, and detained immigrants, which polarized viewers. Outlets like The Washington Post noted how videos of violence and enforcement actions often went viral and deepened societal divisions. Meanwhile, The Guardian and others reported how misinformation and selective framing, either branding protesters as violent threats or ignoring their grievances completely, amplified fear, shaped public opinion, and muddled the true causes of the unrest.
13. What were the legal consequences for arrested protesters?
A significant number, reportedly over 200 people, were arrested under the enforced curfew and for failing to disperse, with dozens charged on state or local misdemeanor counts such as unlawful assembly, vandalism, and resisting arrest. The U.S. Attorney later announced federal charges against at least nine individuals accused of violent offenses, including throwing Molotov cocktails and attacking officers, which could carry prison terms of up to five years. Among those arrested was prominent union leader David Huerta, who was released on $50,000 bond. Legal experts and civil rights advocates raised concerns that many detained, especially immigrants, could face serious consequences without due process in a highly politicized environment.
14. Was there any destruction of property? What was the amount of damages?
During the Los Angeles anti-ICE protests, rioters caused widespread property destruction, including shattered windows and looting at an Apple store, an Adidas outlet, jewelry shops, a sushi restaurant in Little Tokyo (with estimated damages around $100,000), and defacement of the Japanese American National Museum. Vehicles, including self-driving Waymo cars and CHP cruisers, were set ablaze or vandalized. Cleanup crews have since begun repairing storefronts and removing graffiti, although no comprehensive total damage figure has been released.
15. Were there any people injured in the protests?
Several journalists covering the Los Angeles protests were injured by law enforcement’s use of non-lethal crowd-control munitions: at least a dozen reporters were struck by rubber bullets, pepper pellets, foam rounds, and tear gas canisters, prominently including Australia’s Lauren Tomasi, who was hit live on air and drew diplomatic protests. Local volunteer medics also reported that protesters suffered puncture wounds, cracked bones, and other serious injuries from rubber bullets and bean-bag rounds, especially during intense clashes under freeway overpasses.
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