Key Takeaways
• ICE raids in Los Angeles on June 6, 2025, led to 44 immigration arrests and sparked widespread protests.
• Dr. Phil McGraw filmed ICE operations and met with ICE director Tom Homan during the raid.
• Federal deployment included 300 National Guard troops; President Trump federalized California’s National Guard.
On June 6, 2025, Los Angeles became the center of national attention as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) carried out a series of high-profile raids. The events quickly escalated into widespread protests and civil unrest, drawing in not only local and federal officials but also public figures like Dr. Phil McGraw. The presence of Dr. Phil McGraw, a well-known conservative television host, added a new layer of controversy and media attention to an already tense situation. This report examines what happened, why it matters, and what it means for immigrants, local communities, and the future of immigration enforcement in the United States 🇺🇸.
What Happened: ICE Raids and Dr. Phil McGraw’s Role
On Friday, June 6, 2025, ICE agents conducted coordinated raids across Los Angeles, focusing on the city’s garment district and other locations. According to officials, the operation resulted in the administrative arrest of 44 people for immigration violations and the arrest of one person for obstruction. Federal agents executed four search warrants at three locations, including Ambiance Apparel in the garment district and a Home Depot in the Westlake District.
Dr. Phil McGraw, age 74, was present in Los Angeles during these events. While he did not directly participate in the raids, he visited an ICE field office and met with Tom Homan, President Trump’s border czar and acting ICE director. According to a spokesperson for Merit TV, Dr. Phil McGraw was there “to get a first-hand look at the targeted operations.” Footage from his visit and his interview with Homan began airing on “Dr. Phil Primetime” on June 9, 2025, with more segments scheduled to follow.
Immediate Aftermath: Protests and Civil Unrest
The ICE raids triggered an immediate and intense response from the community. Protesters quickly gathered outside Ambiance Apparel as the raid unfolded. Federal agents used flash-bang grenades and pepper spray to disperse the crowd around 1:30 p.m. Protesters tried to block gates while agents escorted detained individuals to vans. Later that day, more protesters converged at the Metropolitan Detention Center, and some vandalized the building.
By 7 p.m., the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) declared an unlawful assembly at the Los Angeles Federal Building. Police authorized the use of “less-lethal munitions” at 8 p.m. after reports that protesters were throwing concrete at officers. More than 100 protesters were arrested on Friday before the LAPD dispersed the crowd.
The unrest continued throughout the weekend. By Sunday, June 8, about 300 National Guard troops had been deployed to three locations in Greater Los Angeles. Reports of looting emerged by Sunday evening, and the situation escalated further. President Trump responded by federalizing the California National Guard under 10 U.S.C. § 12406, a rarely used law that allows the president to take control of state military forces during emergencies.
Dr. Phil McGraw’s History with Immigration Enforcement
Dr. Phil McGraw’s involvement in Los Angeles was not his first time engaging with immigration enforcement. Earlier in 2025, at the start of President Trump’s second term, Dr. Phil McGraw joined ICE agents and Tom Homan on raids in Chicago. During that operation, agents targeted 270 “high-value targets.” Dr. Phil McGraw livestreamed from the scene, which led to criticism after he was seen questioning detainees who insisted on not speaking without a lawyer.
In May 2025, Dr. Phil McGraw was appointed to serve on President Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission. His ongoing involvement with immigration enforcement, especially his decision to film and broadcast these operations, has sparked debate about the ethics and impact of media coverage on sensitive law enforcement actions.
Federal and Local Responses
Federal Officials
Tom Homan, President Trump’s border czar and acting ICE director, made it clear that the raids would continue despite protests. He warned that “someone’s going to lose their life” if the unrest continued and suggested that California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass could face federal charges over their response. In his interview with Dr. Phil McGraw, Homan stated:
“You can protest and you can hate – shame on you – you can hate what ICE does and who ICE is. You can protest and throw out all the nasty words you want, but you can’t cross that line… It’s getting out of control. It’s getting to be a significant threat to our officers… We are going to a zero tolerance position.”
President Trump took a hard stance, authorizing the deployment of the National Guard without a request from California’s governor. He threatened to “have troops everywhere” if protests spread to other cities and said Marines would be sent to Los Angeles if there was “danger to our country and our citizens.” On social media, President Trump posted:
“A once great American City, Los Angeles, has been invaded and occupied by Illegal Aliens and Criminals,” promising federal action to “liberate” the city.
He later renewed calls to “BRING IN THE TROOPS.”
Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin issued a statement criticizing local officials:
“Why do Governor Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass care more about violent murderers and sex offenders than they do about protecting their own citizens? These rioters in Los Angeles are fighting to keep rapists, murderers, and other violent criminals loose on Los Angeles streets. Instead of rioting, they should be thanking ICE officers every single day who wake up and make our communities safer.”
Local Officials
Mayor Karen Bass condemned the raids, saying:
“It sows a sense of terror in the community. It’s bad enough that it happened at this location, but the way this goes and spreads throughout the community, people are not sure where they are safe.”
California’s U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla, along with Representatives Scott Peters and Juan Vargas, demanded an investigation into the tactics used during similar raids in San Diego. They stated:
“This troubling incident is not an isolated case. Rather, it appears to be part of a broader pattern of escalated and theatrical immigration enforcement operations across the country… These events raise serious questions about the appropriateness, proportionality, and execution of ICE tactics.”
The Bigger Picture: Policy and Political Context
The Los Angeles raids are part of a broader immigration enforcement strategy under President Trump’s second term. After winning the 2024 election, the Trump administration began targeting sanctuary cities—places that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. In November 2024, the Los Angeles City Council declared the city a sanctuary city.
By May 2025, the administration had started a workplace deportation strategy, focusing on large employers and industries with many immigrant workers. According to analysis from VisaVerge.com, White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller has pushed for ICE to arrest as many as 3,000 migrants daily. This pressure has led to ICE agents arresting non-criminal migrants at court hearings and even at naturalization interviews—the final step in becoming a U.S. citizen.
The administration has warned that sanctuary cities like Los Angeles would be main targets for these crackdowns. The use of military forces and the scale of the raids mark a significant shift in how immigration laws are enforced in the United States 🇺🇸.
Military Involvement: A New Phase in Immigration Enforcement
The deployment of 300 National Guard troops and the preparation of 500 active-duty Marines for possible deployment in Los Angeles represent a major escalation. Most National Guard troops were stationed outside federal buildings, while Marines at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms were put on “prepared to deploy status.”
At the Metropolitan Detention Center, National Guard and Department of Homeland Security officers used smoke and pepper spray to clear protesters and create a path for military and law enforcement vehicles. The use of military forces in a major American city for immigration enforcement is rare and raises important questions about the role of the military in civilian law enforcement.
For more information on the legal framework for deploying the National Guard, readers can visit the U.S. Department of Defense’s official page on Defense Support of Civil Authorities.
Implications for Immigrants, Employers, and Local Communities
The events in Los Angeles have wide-reaching effects:
- Immigrants: Many immigrants, including those with no criminal records, now face increased risk of arrest at work, in court, or even during the citizenship process. The fear and uncertainty caused by these raids can discourage people from reporting crimes, seeking medical care, or sending their children to school.
- Employers: Businesses in industries like garment manufacturing are under greater scrutiny. Employers may face raids, fines, or even criminal charges if found to be employing undocumented workers.
- Local Communities: The use of force, military involvement, and mass arrests have created a climate of fear and mistrust. Community members may feel unsafe, regardless of their immigration status.
Media and Public Perception
Dr. Phil McGraw’s involvement has brought national media attention to the raids. His decision to film and broadcast segments from ICE operations has sparked debate about the role of media in law enforcement. Supporters argue that his coverage brings transparency, while critics say it risks sensationalizing sensitive situations and putting vulnerable people at risk.
The protests and the government’s response have also divided public opinion. Some see the raids as necessary for public safety, while others view them as heavy-handed and harmful to families and communities.
What Happens Next?
The situation in Los Angeles is still developing. Federal officials have promised more raids, and the military remains on alert. Local leaders are calling for investigations and changes to enforcement tactics. The events have set the stage for ongoing conflict between federal and local authorities over immigration policy.
For immigrants and their families, the best immediate step is to know your rights. If you or someone you know is affected by ICE actions, it’s important to seek legal advice and avoid signing any documents without consulting an attorney. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website provides official information on immigration forms and legal rights.
Key Takeaways
- ICE raids in Los Angeles on June 6, 2025, led to dozens of arrests and sparked major protests and unrest.
- Dr. Phil McGraw was present during the raids, filming for his show and meeting with federal officials.
- The Trump administration has increased immigration enforcement, especially in sanctuary cities like Los Angeles.
- Military forces, including the National Guard and Marines, have been deployed to support federal operations.
- Local officials and community leaders are calling for investigations and changes to enforcement tactics.
- Immigrants, employers, and communities face new risks and challenges as enforcement efforts intensify.
As the situation continues to unfold, staying informed and understanding your rights is more important than ever. For the latest updates and practical guidance, readers can turn to trusted sources and official government websites.
Learn Today
ICE → Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a U.S. federal agency enforcing immigration laws and conducting raids.
National Guard → A reserve military force deployed by states and federal government for emergencies or law enforcement support.
Sanctuary City → A city limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement to protect undocumented immigrants.
Administrative Arrest → An immigration-related detention without criminal charges, typically for immigration violations.
Flash-Bang Grenades → Non-lethal devices producing loud noise and bright light used for crowd control during raids.
This Article in a Nutshell
On June 6, 2025, ICE raids in Los Angeles arrested dozens, provoking extensive protests. Dr. Phil McGraw documented the events, highlighting increased immigration enforcement and military involvement. This escalation signals a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy and impacts local communities, immigrants, and business sectors nationwide.
— By VisaVerge.com
