Clashes Erupt in Los Angeles After ICE Raids Spark Citywide Protests

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Key Takeaways

• ICE raids began June 6, 2025, arresting 118 immigrants in Los Angeles, with 44 detained on the first day.
• President Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles County; 300 arrived June 8 to support law enforcement.
• Protests turned violent with clashes, hundreds detained; local officials condemned raids while federal agencies defended enforcement.

Los Angeles Faces Unrest After ICE Raids and National Guard Deployment

Los Angeles is in the middle of a tense and chaotic period after a series of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids led to citywide protests, violent clashes, and the deployment of the National Guard. The events began on Friday, June 6, 2025, when ICE agents carried out coordinated raids across several neighborhoods in Los Angeles. The situation quickly escalated, with protests erupting in response to the enforcement actions and federal agents clashing with demonstrators. President Trump ordered the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles County, with the first 300 arriving on Sunday, June 8, 2025. The city remains on edge as federal and local authorities, activists, and residents grapple with the fallout.

Clashes Erupt in Los Angeles After ICE Raids Spark Citywide Protests

What Happened: ICE Raids Spark Protests

The latest round of ICE raids in Los Angeles targeted workplaces suspected of employing undocumented immigrants using fake documents. According to ICE, agents executed four federal search warrants at three locations in central Los Angeles, including the Fashion District, Westlake, Paramount, Compton, and downtown LA. These operations were supported by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and other federal agencies.

ICE reported that 118 immigrants were arrested in Los Angeles during the week, with 44 of those arrests taking place on Friday, June 6, the day the raids began. Among those detained were five individuals linked to criminal organizations and others with prior criminal histories. The enforcement actions were part of a broader federal push, with ICE reporting 2,000 arrests per day nationwide during the same week—a sharp increase from the previous average of 660 daily arrests during President Trump’s first 100 days back in office.

The raids quickly drew the attention of immigrant rights groups, labor unions, and local residents. Protests broke out across the city, with demonstrators gathering in neighborhoods where the raids took place. The protests grew in size and intensity over the weekend, leading to violent confrontations between protesters and federal agents.

National Guard Deployment and Escalation

As the protests intensified, President Trump signed a memo on Saturday, June 7, 2025, authorizing the deployment of at least 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles County. The first 300 troops arrived on Sunday morning and were stationed at three locations in Greater Los Angeles. Their main role was to support local law enforcement, protect federal buildings, and help restore order.

Law enforcement responded to the unrest with tear gas, batons, flash-bang grenades, and pepper spray to disperse crowds. Protesters blocked streets, set fires, threw rocks and concrete at law enforcement vehicles, and tried to block ICE transport vans. There were also reports of property damage, including slashed tires and graffiti on federal buildings.

Hundreds of protesters were detained during the clashes, including David Huerta, president of SEIU California, who was reportedly injured during his arrest. The heavy law enforcement and military presence has disrupted daily life in Los Angeles, with street closures, public transit interruptions, and a sense of fear and uncertainty spreading through many communities.

Federal and Local Responses

Federal Officials

Federal authorities have defended the ICE raids and the deployment of the National Guard. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE have stated that enforcement operations will continue as planned, regardless of local opposition or protests. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin condemned what she described as “violent targeting” of ICE officers and criticized local politicians for “dangerous rhetoric” that she said incited unrest.

US Attorney Bill Essayli warned the public against interfering with federal operations, promising prosecution for anyone who obstructs ICE agents. ICE spokesperson Yasmeen Pitts O’Keefe provided details about the operations and arrest numbers, emphasizing that those with criminal histories or gang affiliations were prioritized for arrest.

Local Officials

Local leaders in Los Angeles have taken a very different stance. Mayor Karen Bass publicly opposed the raids, stating that her office was not informed in advance and condemning the actions as “cruel and unnecessary.” She expressed concern for the safety and well-being of immigrant families and called for calm and respect for the rights of all residents.

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and LA County Sheriff’s Department made it clear that they were not involved in the federal immigration operations. Both agencies said their focus was on crowd control and public safety, not on participating in civil immigration enforcement. LA County Sheriff Robert Luna emphasized that his department’s role was limited to maintaining order during the protests.

Voices from the Community

Activists, labor leaders, and immigrant rights groups have strongly condemned the ICE raids and the federal response to the protests. Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), called the raids “terrorizing” for the community and urged residents to resist what she described as inhumane and politically motivated actions. David Huerta, the SEIU California president who was detained and injured during the protests, called for collective resistance to “injustice” and demanded the release of all detained protesters.

Many residents and community organizations have reported that the raids and the presence of the National Guard have created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty, especially among undocumented workers and their families. Some children were reportedly detained alongside adults, adding to the anxiety felt by many in the community.

How ICE Raids and Protest Responses Work

ICE Raids: Step-by-Step

Federal agents obtain search warrants based on probable cause, such as evidence that employers are using fake documents for workers.
Raids are conducted at targeted locations, often workplaces or businesses suspected of employing undocumented immigrants.
3. Individuals suspected of immigration violations are detained and processed for removal proceedings. This means they may face deportation from the United States 🇺🇸.
Those with criminal histories or gang affiliations are prioritized for arrest, according to ICE.

Protest Response: Step-by-Step

Local law enforcement monitors protest activity and responds to requests for assistance from federal agencies.
If protests escalate, police may declare an unlawful assembly and order the crowd to leave.
Non-lethal munitions such as tear gas, batons, and flash-bang grenades may be used if violence or property damage occurs.
National Guard troops are deployed for extra crowd control and to protect federal buildings.

Policy Changes and Practical Effects

The recent ICE raids and the federal response have had wide-reaching effects on many groups in Los Angeles.

For Immigrants

Increased fear and uncertainty: Many undocumented immigrants and their families are afraid of being detained or deported. Some are avoiding work, school, or public places out of fear.
Targeting of entire workplaces: ICE focused on businesses suspected of hiring undocumented workers, meaning large groups of employees were affected at once.
Children detained: Reports indicate that some children were detained alongside adults, causing distress for families.

For Employers

Legal risk: Employers accused of using fake documents for workers face increased scrutiny and possible legal action.
Workplace disruption: Raids can shut down businesses, disrupt operations, and create fear among employees.

For Local Communities

Disrupted daily life: Protests, street closures, and a heavy law enforcement presence have made it harder for people to go about their normal routines.
Public transit interruptions: Some bus and train routes have been delayed or canceled due to protests and police activity.
Community fear: The presence of the National Guard and reports of violence have made many residents feel unsafe.

For Law Enforcement

Federal-local tensions: Local police and sheriff’s departments have distanced themselves from ICE operations, focusing instead on crowd control and public safety.
Resource strain: Managing large protests and unrest requires significant resources and coordination.

Background: Why Is This Happening Now?

The current wave of ICE raids in Los Angeles is part of President Trump’s renewed push for aggressive immigration enforcement. The administration has set a goal of 3,000 arrests per day, which would be the largest deportation effort in United States 🇺🇸 history. This marks a sharp increase from previous years and reflects a broader federal strategy to crack down on undocumented immigration.

Los Angeles has long been known as a “sanctuary city,” meaning local officials and law enforcement limit their cooperation with federal immigration authorities. This has led to ongoing conflict between federal and local governments over how immigration laws should be enforced. The recent raids follow similar high-profile ICE actions in San Diego and at an underground nightclub in Los Angeles, showing that the federal government is stepping up its efforts in California.

Different Perspectives on the Raids and Protests

Federal View

Federal officials argue that the ICE raids are necessary to protect public safety and target criminals. They blame local politicians for inciting violence and undermining law enforcement. DHS and ICE say they will continue enforcement operations regardless of protests or local opposition.

Local and Activist View

City officials, immigrant rights groups, and labor leaders say the raids are inhumane, unnecessary, and politically motivated. They argue that these actions create fear, break up families, and disrupt communities. Many believe the raids are meant to send a political message rather than address real public safety concerns.

Legal View

The raids are carried out under federal law, but local jurisdictions like Los Angeles maintain their right to limit cooperation with ICE under “sanctuary” policies. This ongoing legal and political conflict is likely to continue, with possible court challenges and increased advocacy from immigrant rights organizations.

What Happens Next?

The situation in Los Angeles remains fluid, with further developments expected in the coming days. DHS and ICE have signaled that enforcement operations will continue at an elevated pace, regardless of local opposition or protests. With National Guard troops now deployed and protests ongoing, more clashes are possible, especially if additional raids are carried out or if detainees are not released.

The conflict between federal and local authorities is likely to intensify, with possible legal challenges and increased advocacy from immigrant rights groups. The heavy law enforcement and military presence may continue to disrupt daily life in Los Angeles, affecting residents, businesses, and community organizations.

What Should Residents and Immigrants Do?

Stay informed: Follow updates from official sources such as ICE.gov and local news outlets.
Know your rights: Immigrants should be aware of their legal rights during encounters with law enforcement or ICE agents. Organizations like the ACLU of Southern California and CHIRLA provide resources and support.
Avoid risky areas: During protests or raids, avoid locations where clashes are likely to occur.
Seek legal help: If you or someone you know is detained, contact a trusted immigration attorney or advocacy group for assistance.

Key Facts at a Glance

ICE raids began: June 6, 2025
Total arrests in LA this week: 118 (including 44 on Friday)
National Guard deployment: 2,000 authorized, 300 deployed as of June 8, 2025
Locations targeted: Fashion District, Westlake, Paramount, Compton, downtown LA
Protester detentions: Hundreds, including union leader David Huerta
Federal policy direction: Aggressive enforcement, 2,000+ daily arrests nationwide
Local policy stance: Non-cooperation with ICE, focus on crowd control

Resources and Official Information

For more information about ICE operations, legal rights, and updates on the situation in Los Angeles, visit the following official resources:

For the latest updates on immigration enforcement and your rights, the ICE official website provides current information on policies, forms, and contact details.

Conclusion: What This Means for Los Angeles and Beyond

The recent ICE raids, protests, and National Guard deployment in Los Angeles highlight the deep divisions over immigration enforcement in the United States 🇺🇸. The situation has created fear and uncertainty for immigrants, disrupted daily life for residents, and strained relations between federal and local authorities. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the aggressive enforcement actions and strong local opposition show that immigration policy remains one of the most contentious issues in the country.

Looking ahead, it is likely that federal operations will continue, protests may persist, and legal and political battles will intensify. For immigrants, employers, and community members, staying informed and knowing your rights is more important than ever. The events in Los Angeles may set the tone for how immigration enforcement is handled in other cities across the United States 🇺🇸 in the months to come.

Learn Today

ICE → Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a federal agency enforcing immigration laws and conducting raids on undocumented immigrants.
National Guard → State military force deployed to assist local law enforcement during emergencies or civil unrest.
Search Warrant → A legal document authorizing law enforcement to search specific locations for evidence related to crimes.
Sanctuary City → A city that limits cooperation with federal immigration enforcement to protect undocumented immigrants locally.
Gang Affiliations → Connections or associations with criminal organizations prioritized for arrest during immigration enforcement operations.

This Article in a Nutshell

Los Angeles faces unrest after ICE raids targeting undocumented workers sparked protests and violent clashes. National Guard troops deployed to restore order amid community fear and disruption. Federal officials defend enforcement, local leaders criticize actions as cruel. The conflict highlights deep immigrant policy divisions shaping the city’s tense climate in 2025.
— By VisaVerge.com