Key Takeaways
• Over 2,000 National Guard troops deployed in LA after ICE arrests 100+ immigrants in June 2025 raids.
• Protests in Paramount and LA involve violence, leading LAPD to declare unlawful assembly and make arrests.
• Federal and state leaders clash over enforcement; Governor Newsom calls troop deployment ‘inflammatory.’
Violent Immigration Protests in Los Angeles: National Guard Deployed Amid Deepening Tensions
Violent immigration protests have erupted across Los Angeles, drawing national attention and sparking a fierce debate over federal and state authority. The crisis began in early June 2025, when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted large-scale operations in the city, arresting over 100 immigrants in just a few days. In response to escalating protests, President Trump ordered the deployment of the National Guard, overriding the objections of California Governor Gavin Newsom. The situation has quickly become a flashpoint in the ongoing struggle over immigration policy in the United States 🇺🇸, with local and federal leaders clashing over how to handle both enforcement and public unrest.
What Happened: The Spark That Ignited Protests
The immediate cause of the protests was a series of ICE raids across Los Angeles. On June 6, 2025, ICE officers executed search warrants outside a clothing warehouse in the Fashion District. That same day, protesters discovered detainees allegedly being held in the basement of a federal building in downtown LA. Federal law enforcement also conducted immigration operations in Paramount, a mostly Latino community south of the city.
These actions led to a rapid and passionate response from the community. By June 8, crowds had swelled to 350-400 people near a Home Depot in Paramount, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna. Protesters threw rocks at law enforcement vehicles, tried to block buses carrying detainees, and set fires in the streets. A Mexican flag was displayed in front of a burnt-out car covered in anti-ICE slogans, while chants of “Set them free, let them stay!” echoed outside a federal detention center.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) initially praised peaceful protesters but later declared an unlawful assembly after a small group began throwing large pieces of concrete at officers. The LAPD said it “mobilized and acted as swiftly as conditions safely allowed,” but noted that “irritants” used by federal agents created a “hazardous environment” for their officers.
Federal Response: National Guard and Presidential Orders
President Trump responded to the unrest by signing a Presidential Memorandum that deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles. This move represented a rare federal takeover of California’s state military forces, a decision that California Governor Gavin Newsom called “purposefully inflammatory.” The President also authorized Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to potentially mobilize Marines from Camp Pendleton if violence continued.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt blamed California’s Democratic leaders for allowing “lawlessness to fester.” ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons stated that more than 1,000 rioters had surrounded a federal building in LA, and it took the LAPD two hours to respond. He emphasized that ICE was arresting “criminal illegal aliens including gang members, drug traffickers and those with a history of assault, cruelty to children, domestic violence, robbery, and smuggling.” Lyons made it clear that ICE operations would continue “every day” in Los Angeles, regardless of the protests.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) called the targeting of law enforcement in Los Angeles “despicable” and directly criticized Mayor Karen Bass, stating: “Mayor Bass, ICE is not responsible for ‘sowing a sense of terror’—the protestors YOU enabled are.”
State and Local Response: Calls for Calm and Criticism of Federal Actions
California Governor Gavin Newsom strongly opposed the federal intervention. He described Defense Secretary Hegseth’s suggestion to mobilize Marines as “deranged” and called the deployment of National Guard troops “unnecessary,” saying it was designed to create “chaos” and “a spectacle.” Governor Newsom has urged calm, asking both protesters and law enforcement to avoid further violence.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also condemned the ICE raids, stating she was “deeply angered by what has taken place.” She claimed that neither she nor the LAPD were informed about the ICE operations in advance. Mayor Bass argued that the tactics used by federal agents “sow terror in our communities and disrupt basic principles of safety in our city.” Her office is now working closely with immigrant rights organizations to support affected families and maintain peace.
The LAPD, caught between federal orders and local concerns, has tried to balance public safety with respect for peaceful protest. After initially supporting the demonstrations, the department declared an unlawful assembly when violence broke out, leading to multiple arrests.
Protest Dynamics: Voices from the Streets
The protests have involved a wide range of tactics and emotions. Protesters have thrown rocks and fireworks, blocked law enforcement vehicles, and attempted to stop buses carrying detainees. Fires have burned in the streets, and anti-ICE slogans have appeared on cars and buildings.
One Los Angeles resident, whose parents are immigrants, told AFP: “Whether we get hurt, whether they gas us, whatever they’re throwing at us. They are never going to stop us. All we have left is our voice.” This sentiment reflects the deep fear and anger many in the community feel about the recent ICE operations and the federal response.
Rep. Nanette Barragán, who represents Paramount, said on CNN that the protest began because people believed immigration officials were targeting day laborers at a nearby Home Depot. She was advised to prepare for 30 days of ICE enforcement and stated, “There’s a way to do targeted ICE enforcement… And that’s when you’re going after criminals. And that is not what’s happening.”
Broader Immigration Policy Context: New Federal Rules and Local Impact
The unrest in Los Angeles comes at a time of sweeping changes to immigration policy under President Trump, who returned to office in January 2025. Some of the most significant changes include:
- Executive orders on border policy: These orders have tightened rules for entering the United States 🇺🇸, making it harder for people to cross the border or apply for asylum.
- Enhanced vetting and screening: The government has increased background checks and security screenings for immigrants.
- Birthright citizenship: President Trump signed an executive order to end birthright citizenship, but federal courts have blocked it, saying it violates the 14th Amendment.
- Enforcement policies for illegal entry: ICE is now required to catch and deport undocumented people accused of violent crimes.
- Expansion of mandatory detention: Under the Laken Riley Act, even people accused of minor offenses can be held in detention.
- Closure of the CBP One app: This app was used to apply for asylum at the southern border. Its closure has made it nearly impossible for people to seek asylum legally.
- Threats of tariffs: The administration has threatened to impose tariffs on countries like Venezuela 🇻🇪, Colombia 🇨🇴, and Panama 🇵🇦 if they refuse to accept deported immigrants.
- Legal challenges to sanctuary policies: The federal government is challenging sanctuary policies in states like Illinois, New York, and possibly California.
These changes have created confusion and fear among immigrant communities, especially in cities like Los Angeles with large immigrant populations. Many families worry about being separated or detained, and local leaders are struggling to provide support and information.
For more details on current federal immigration enforcement policies, readers can visit the official U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) website.
Political Divisions: Congress and the National Debate
The response to the protests has exposed deep political divisions at both the state and national levels. House Speaker Mike Johnson said on ABC News that he does not think mobilizing active-duty Marines would be “heavy-handed,” arguing, “We have to be prepared to do what is necessary, and I think the notice that might happen might have the deterring effect.” In contrast, Senator Ron Johnson told CNN he does not think action from the Marines will be “necessary.”
Trump’s Border czar Tom Homan has not ruled out the possibility of arresting Governor Newsom or Mayor Bass if they obstruct law enforcement. This threat has added to the tension between state and federal officials.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these political battles are likely to continue as both sides dig in on their positions. The federal government insists that strict enforcement is necessary to maintain order and public safety, while state and local leaders argue that heavy-handed tactics only create more fear and unrest.
Impact on Stakeholders: Immigrants, Law Enforcement, and the Public
Immigrants and their families are at the center of this crisis. Many fear being detained or deported, especially with the expansion of mandatory detention and the closure of legal pathways to asylum. Community organizations are working around the clock to provide legal help, emotional support, and information to those affected.
Law enforcement agencies face a difficult situation. The LAPD and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department must balance their duty to maintain order with respect for the rights of protesters and the concerns of local leaders. The deployment of the National Guard has added another layer of complexity, as state and federal forces sometimes have different priorities and rules.
The general public is also affected. Road closures, increased police presence, and ongoing protests have disrupted daily life in many parts of Los Angeles. Businesses in affected areas have suffered property damage, and some residents worry about their safety.
What Happens Next: Ongoing Operations and the Road Ahead
As of June 8, 2025, the situation remains tense. National Guard troops are still deployed in Los Angeles, and ICE operations are expected to continue for at least 30 days. Multiple protesters have been arrested for failing to disperse after warnings, and several roads remain closed, including Alameda between Los Angeles Street and 2nd Street.
The federal government has signaled that it is prepared for a prolonged response, including the possible use of Marines from Camp Pendleton. State and local leaders continue to call for calm and urge the federal government to reconsider its approach.
The conflict in Los Angeles is likely to have ripple effects across the country. Other cities with large immigrant populations are watching closely, and legal challenges to federal policies are already underway. The outcome of this standoff could shape the future of immigration enforcement and the relationship between state and federal governments for years to come.
Practical Guidance for Affected Individuals
If you or someone you know is affected by the recent ICE operations or protests, here are some steps you can take:
- Know your rights: Everyone in the United States 🇺🇸, regardless of immigration status, has certain rights. You do not have to open your door to ICE agents unless they have a signed warrant. You have the right to remain silent and to speak to a lawyer.
- Seek legal help: Contact a trusted immigration attorney or a local immigrant rights organization for advice. They can help you understand your options and prepare for possible encounters with law enforcement.
- Stay informed: Follow updates from official sources, such as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website, for the latest information on immigration policies and forms.
- Document everything: If you witness or experience any incidents during protests or ICE operations, write down what happened and take photos or videos if it is safe to do so.
Conclusion: A City at a Crossroads
The violent immigration protests in Los Angeles have exposed deep divisions over how the United States 🇺🇸 should handle immigration enforcement. The deployment of the National Guard, the clash between federal and state leaders, and the fear and anger in immigrant communities all point to a crisis that is far from over. As ICE operations continue and political battles play out, the people of Los Angeles—and the country—face difficult questions about justice, safety, and the meaning of community.
For now, the best advice for those affected is to stay calm, know your rights, and seek help from trusted sources. The coming weeks will be critical in shaping the future of immigration policy and the relationship between the federal government and states like California.
Learn Today
ICE → Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a federal agency managing immigration enforcement and deportations.
National Guard → State military forces that can be federally deployed to support law enforcement.
Unlawful Assembly → A gathering declared illegal by police due to threats to public safety or violence.
Presidential Memorandum → An executive action used by the president to direct government agencies or military deployment.
Mandatory Detention → A legal policy requiring detention of certain immigrants during immigration proceedings regardless of circumstances.
This Article in a Nutshell
Violent immigration protests erupted in Los Angeles after ICE raids arrested over 100 immigrants. The National Guard was deployed, intensifying tensions between federal and state leaders. Protests involve violence, arrests, and community unrest, highlighting deep divisions over immigration enforcement policies under President Trump in 2025.
— By VisaVerge.com
