Key Takeaways
• LAPD ordered all immigration protesters in downtown Los Angeles to disperse after violent unrest on June 9, 2025.
• President Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to LA, allowing up to 60 days and possible active-duty forces.
• More than 100 immigrants arrested since June 6 ICE raids amid escalating tensions and local government opposition.
Los Angeles Faces Unrest as Immigration Protests Escalate
Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How
On June 9, 2025, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) ordered all immigration protesters in downtown Los Angeles to go home after three days of unrest. These protests began on June 6, 2025, in response to a series of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids across the city. The demonstrations quickly grew in size and intensity, leading to violent clashes between protesters and law enforcement. The situation has now become a major political and legal standoff, drawing in local, state, and federal authorities, and raising serious questions about immigration policy, civil rights, and public safety in the United States 🇺🇸.
Immediate Developments: Police Orders and Protester Actions
The LAPD declared downtown Los Angeles an “unlawful assembly area” on June 9, 2025. This means that anyone gathering in the area for protest purposes was ordered to leave immediately. Police made this decision after three days of protests that saw:
- Protesters blocking the 101 Freeway, a major road in downtown Los Angeles
- Several self-driving Waymo vehicles set on fire in the streets
- Demonstrators throwing concrete, bottles, and other objects at police officers
- Windows at LAPD Headquarters smashed
- Fires set in dumpsters and trash bins
- Graffiti sprayed on buildings, including the U.S. Courthouse and the old Los Angeles Times building
In response, the LAPD put the city on a “Tactical Alert.” This allows officers to stay on duty past their normal shifts and be moved quickly to areas where they are needed most. The LAPD first used this alert on June 7 and kept it in place as the protests continued to grow.
Federal Response: National Guard and Presidential Action
President Trump responded to the unrest by sending 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles on June 8, 2025. According to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, the goal was to “address the lawlessness” in the city. The U.S. Northern Command confirmed that 300 members of the California National Guard were sent to three key locations in Los Angeles.
The president’s order described the protests as “a form of rebellion against the authority of the Government of the United States.” The order allows the National Guard to stay in Los Angeles for up to 60 days or longer if the Secretary of Defense decides it is necessary. It also gives the Secretary of Defense the power to use other regular Armed Forces if needed. This action was taken under a law called 10 U.S.C. § 12406, which lets the federal government take control of a state’s National Guard without the governor’s approval.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Pentagon is ready to send active-duty troops if violence continues. He mentioned that Marines at Camp Pendleton, which is close to Los Angeles, are on “high alert” and could be sent into the city if needed.
State and Local Government Push Back
California state and local leaders have strongly opposed the federal government’s actions. Governor Gavin Newsom sent a letter to President Trump on June 9, asking him to cancel the National Guard deployment. Newsom called the move a “serious breach of state sovereignty,” meaning he believes the federal government is overstepping its authority. He also accused President Trump of “trying to manufacture a crisis” and “hoping for chaos so he can justify more crackdowns, more fear, more control.” The state of California has started legal action against the Trump administration to challenge the deployment.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also criticized the Trump administration, saying it was “inciting tension” by sending in the National Guard. She condemned the violence by some protesters but said, “I don’t want people to fall into the chaos that I believe is being created by the administration completely unnecessarily.”
The California Attorney General announced that the state will sue the Trump administration, calling the decision to send troops “counterproductive.”
What Sparked the Protests? ICE Raids and Immigration Enforcement
The protests began after a series of ICE raids started on June 6, 2025. These raids targeted several locations in Los Angeles, including:
- The LA fashion district, where many workers were arrested
- A Home Depot parking lot and other public places
- Ambiance Apparel, a clothing wholesaler, where ICE detained employees inside the building
- The arrest of a well-known union leader, accused of blocking law enforcement
Federal authorities say that more than 100 immigrants have been arrested in the Los Angeles area since the raids began. Tom Homan, President Trump’s “border czar,” said, “We’re going to keep enforcing law every day in L.A. Every day in L.A., we’re going to enforce immigration law. I don’t care if they like it or not.”
Broader Immigration Policy Changes in 2025
These events are happening during a time of big changes in U.S. immigration policy. In 2025, the Trump administration started a new deportation strategy that focuses on workplaces. This began in May 2025 and has led to more ICE raids at job sites.
Other recent policy changes include:
- ICE now has a federal order to arrest and deport undocumented people accused of violent crimes
- President Trump set a daily goal for ICE to arrest at least 3,000 migrants
- The Laken Riley Act expanded mandatory detention for immigrants, even for minor crimes like shoplifting
- Guantánamo Bay was reopened to hold up to 30,000 detainees
- An executive order tried to end birthright citizenship in the United States 🇺🇸, but federal courts blocked it as unconstitutional under the 14th Amendment
These policies have made many immigrant communities feel unsafe, especially in cities like Los Angeles.
Local Policy Changes: Sanctuary City and Police Cooperation
In response to the federal crackdown, some local governments in California are changing their own policies. For example:
- Glendale announced it will no longer hold ICE detainees at its police department facility
- In November 2024, after President Trump won the election, the Los Angeles City Council declared Los Angeles a “sanctuary city.” This means the city will not help federal immigration authorities arrest or detain people just for being undocumented
These local actions are meant to protect immigrants and limit cooperation with ICE, but they also put local governments in direct conflict with federal authorities.
Stakeholder Perspectives: Advocates, Officials, and Community Impact
Many different groups have spoken out about the situation in Los Angeles.
Vanessa Cardenas, who leads the immigration advocacy group America’s Voice, accused the Trump administration of “trumping up an excuse to abuse power, and deliberately stoke and force confrontations around immigration.”
An unnamed congresswoman blamed President Trump for the unrest in her district, saying the federal response has made things worse.
Immigration advocates say that the increased ICE presence in neighborhoods, workplaces, and even universities is causing fear and anxiety among immigrants and their families. Many people are afraid to go to work, school, or even leave their homes.
On the other hand, supporters of the Trump administration argue that enforcing immigration laws is necessary to maintain order and public safety. They believe that local governments should cooperate with federal authorities and that protests should not turn violent.
How the Protests Affect Different Groups
- Immigrants and Their Families: Many are living in fear of being arrested or deported. Some have stopped going to work or sending their children to school. The fear is especially strong in areas where ICE raids have taken place.
- Employers: Businesses, especially in industries like fashion and construction, are worried about losing workers and facing penalties if found to be employing undocumented workers.
- Students: Increased ICE activity near universities has made some students afraid to attend classes or participate in campus life.
- Law Enforcement: Police officers are under pressure to keep order during protests while also dealing with criticism from both sides. Some officers have been injured during the clashes.
- Local Governments: City and state officials are caught between following federal law and protecting their residents. Legal battles are likely to continue as California challenges the federal government’s actions.
Legal and Political Implications
The legal fight between California and the federal government could have major consequences for how immigration laws are enforced in the future. The use of the National Guard without the governor’s request is rare and controversial. If the courts side with California, it could limit the president’s power to deploy troops in similar situations. If the courts side with the federal government, it could give the president more control over state matters.
The protests and the federal response have also become a major political issue. Supporters of President Trump say he is taking strong action to enforce the law. Critics say he is using the situation to gain political advantage and create fear.
Looking Ahead: What Could Happen Next?
The situation in Los Angeles remains tense and unpredictable. Several factors could shape what happens in the coming days and weeks:
- The National Guard is authorized to stay in Los Angeles for up to 60 days, which means a federal presence could last well into the summer.
- The Trump administration has said it will continue ICE raids and immigration enforcement in Los Angeles for the foreseeable future.
- California’s lawsuit against the Trump administration could change the legal status of the National Guard deployment.
- If violence continues, there is a real possibility that active-duty Marines from Camp Pendleton could be sent into the city.
Both sides—federal and state—seem determined to stick to their positions. This could mean more protests, more legal battles, and more uncertainty for everyone involved.
Practical Guidance for Immigrants and Residents
If you live in Los Angeles or nearby areas, here are some steps you can take:
- Stay Informed: Follow updates from official sources like the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for the latest information on immigration policies and your rights.
- Know Your Rights: If you are approached by ICE or law enforcement, you have the right to remain silent and to ask for a lawyer. You do not have to open your door unless they have a warrant signed by a judge.
- Avoid Unnecessary Travel: If you are undocumented or worried about being detained, try to avoid areas where protests or ICE raids are happening.
- Seek Legal Help: If you or someone you know is detained, contact a trusted immigration lawyer or local legal aid organization as soon as possible.
- Community Support: Reach out to local immigrant support groups for help, information, and resources.
Conclusion: A City at a Crossroads
Los Angeles is now at the center of a national debate over immigration, law enforcement, and the balance of power between state and federal governments. The outcome of these protests, the legal battles, and the ongoing ICE operations will have lasting effects not just for Los Angeles, but for cities across the United States 🇺🇸.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the events unfolding in Los Angeles highlight the deep divisions in American society over immigration policy and the challenges faced by immigrants, law enforcement, and government officials alike. The coming weeks will be critical in determining how these issues are resolved and what the future holds for immigrants in Los Angeles and beyond.
For more information on your rights and current immigration policies, visit the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.
Key Takeaways:
– The LAPD has ordered all immigration protesters in downtown Los Angeles to go home after days of unrest.
– President Trump deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles, sparking legal and political battles with California officials.
– ICE raids and new federal immigration policies have created fear and uncertainty in immigrant communities.
– Local governments are pushing back by declaring sanctuary status and refusing to cooperate with ICE.
– The situation remains tense, with the possibility of more protests, legal action, and federal intervention in the days ahead.
Stay alert, know your rights, and seek help if you need it. The story in Los Angeles is still unfolding, and its impact will be felt for a long time to come.
Learn Today
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) → Federal agency enforcing immigration laws, conducting raids and deportations targeting undocumented immigrants.
National Guard → State military force that can be federalized for domestic emergencies and law enforcement support.
Sanctuary City → A city limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities to protect undocumented immigrants.
10 U.S.C. § 12406 → Federal law permitting the president to federalize a state’s National Guard without governor approval.
Tactical Alert → Police status allowing extended shifts and rapid deployment to manage civil unrest.
This Article in a Nutshell
Los Angeles saw escalating immigration protests after ICE raids sparked violent clashes. The LAPD declared unlawful assembly. President Trump deployed National Guard troops for up to 60 days, facing pushback from California officials protesting federal overreach, while immigrant communities experience growing fear and uncertainty amid aggressive enforcement.
— By VisaVerge.com
