Key Takeaways
• Since June 6, 2025, ICE raids in Los Angeles arrested 118 immigrants, sparking widespread protests and clashes.
• President Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles under 10 U.S.C. § 12406 without governor’s consent.
• California Governor Newsom sued the federal government over the National Guard deployment amid rising unrest and legal battles.
Los Angeles has become the center of national attention after a series of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids sparked large-scale protests, confrontations with law enforcement, and a dramatic federal response. Over the past several days, the city has seen escalating unrest, property damage, and a rare deployment of the National Guard. This article provides a detailed, step-by-step account of what has happened, why it matters, and what it could mean for immigrants, local residents, and the broader debate over immigration policy in the United States 🇺🇸.
Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How
Since June 6, 2025, Los Angeles has experienced intense protests after ICE began conducting immigration raids across the city. These actions led to direct clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement, including the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and federal agents. President Trump responded by sending 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles, bypassing the state governor’s approval. The situation has created a standoff between federal and state authorities, with California officials launching legal action against the Trump administration. The protests, which have now lasted for several days, have resulted in arrests, injuries, and significant property damage.
The Spark: ICE Raids in Los Angeles
The immediate cause of the unrest was a series of ICE operations that began on June 6, 2025. According to the Department of Homeland Security, these raids targeted people suspected of being in the country without legal permission. Over the course of the week, 118 immigrants were arrested, including 44 people on the first day alone.
Key points about the ICE raids:
– Raids took place at multiple locations across Los Angeles County.
– Protesters attempted to block ICE agents from detaining individuals.
– The operations were part of a broader federal crackdown on so-called “sanctuary cities,” which limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these actions were seen by many in Los Angeles as an attack on immigrant communities and the city’s status as a sanctuary city. The raids quickly drew crowds of demonstrators, who gathered at sites of enforcement and later at central locations like the Metropolitan Detention Center.
Escalation: Protests Turn Violent
What began as peaceful demonstrations soon escalated into confrontations. On June 6, protesters and law enforcement clashed in the streets. By June 7, the unrest had spread to areas like Paramount and Compton, where additional ICE raids were underway.
By June 8:
– Protests had spread throughout downtown Los Angeles.
– Demonstrators gathered outside the Metropolitan Detention Center.
– The LAPD issued a citywide Tactical Alert after protesters threw projectiles and concrete at officers.
– An unlawful assembly was declared in parts of downtown, leading to arrests.
Law enforcement response included:
– Use of riot shields and crowd control tactics.
– Arrests of at least 29 people by Sunday morning.
– Two officers injured after motorcyclists tried to break through police lines.
– The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department made two arrests in Paramount.
Property damage included:
– Fires set in dumpsters and trash bins.
– Four self-driving Waymo vehicles set on fire, causing explosions and smoke.
– Graffiti on public buildings, including LAPD Headquarters and the U.S. Courthouse.
– Broken windows at LAPD Headquarters and at least one store.
Federal Response: National Guard Deployment
President Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard marked a turning point in the crisis. On June 7, he signed a memorandum sending 2,000 California National Guard troops to Los Angeles. This was done under 10 U.S.C. § 12406, a law that allows the president to “federalize” the National Guard without the governor’s approval in certain situations.
Key facts about the deployment:
– This is the first time since the 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches that the National Guard has been nationalized over a state’s objections.
– Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that active duty Marines at Camp Pendleton were placed on “high alert” and could be sent to Los Angeles if violence continued.
– National Guard troops arrived on June 8, standing “shoulder to shoulder, carrying long guns and riot shields.”
President Trump described the protests as “a form of rebellion against the government,” though he stopped short of calling it an insurrection. On social media, he wrote, “Looking really bad in LA. BRING IN THE TROOPS!!!”
State and Local Opposition
California officials have strongly opposed the federal intervention. On June 9, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that California would sue the Trump administration, arguing that the president had “illegally acted to federalize the National Guard.”
Governor Newsom stated:
“He flamed the fires and illegally acted to federalize the National Guard. The order he signed doesn’t just apply to CA. It will allow him to go into ANY STATE and do the same thing. We’re suing him.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also criticized the move, saying:
“Our city is trying to heal, our city is trying to rebuild, our city does not need to be torn apart with a provocative measure from the federal government.”
Bass further argued that the chaos was “provoked by the administration” and not about public safety.
Other local actions:
– The city of Glendale announced it would end its contract with the Department of Homeland Security to house immigration detainees, citing public division over the issue.
– LAPD Chief Michel Moore pushed back against claims that his department failed to help federal authorities, saying the LAPD was not notified in advance of the raids.
Political and Legal Background
The current crisis is rooted in a long-running conflict between the federal government and cities like Los Angeles over immigration policy.
Key background points:
– In November 2024, after President Trump’s election victory over Kamala Harris, the Los Angeles City Council declared the city a sanctuary city.
– The Trump administration had warned that sanctuary cities would face increased immigration enforcement.
– In May 2025, the administration began targeting workplaces in its deportation strategy.
– On June 9, 2025, a new travel ban took effect, restricting entry to the United States 🇺🇸 for citizens of several countries, including Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
Representative Nanette Barragán told CNN she was advised to prepare for “30 days of ICE enforcement,” suggesting that the raids and protests could continue for weeks.
Impact on Immigrant Communities
For immigrants in Los Angeles, the events of the past few days have created fear and uncertainty. Many worry about being detained or deported, especially those with family members who may be undocumented.
Practical effects include:
– Increased fear of leaving home, going to work, or sending children to school.
– Concerns about being separated from family members.
– Uncertainty about legal rights during encounters with ICE or law enforcement.
Advice for immigrants:
– Know your rights during ICE encounters. You do not have to open your door unless ICE has a signed warrant from a judge. You have the right to remain silent and to speak with a lawyer.
– For more information about your rights, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) official website.
Broader Implications for Los Angeles and the United States 🇺🇸
The confrontation in Los Angeles is about more than just one city. It raises important questions about the balance of power between federal and state governments, the rights of immigrants, and the role of law enforcement.
Potential implications:
– The legal battle between California and the Trump administration could set new rules for how and when the federal government can use the National Guard in states that disagree with federal policy.
– The protests and federal response may influence public opinion on immigration enforcement and sanctuary cities.
– The situation could affect how other cities and states respond to federal immigration actions in the future.
For employers and schools:
– Employers may face increased scrutiny if they hire undocumented workers.
– Schools may see lower attendance if families are afraid of ICE raids.
Perspectives from Officials and Experts
The crisis has drawn strong reactions from both sides.
Federal officials argue:
– White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said it was “a bald-faced lie for Newsom to claim there was no problem in Los Angeles before President Trump got involved.”
– Homeland Security Secretary Christine M defended the National Guard deployment, saying, “Governor Nuomo has proven that he makes bad decisions… that’s why the president chose the safety of this community over waiting for Governor Nuome to get some sanity.”
Local and expert voices:
– A police source told CBS that city officials “are supportive of immigrant rights” and described the situation as a “no win” for law enforcement.
– Los Angeles Times columnist Gustavo Arellano questioned whether protest tactics like “throwing cinder blocks at California Highway Patrol cars” would help immigrant families.
What Happens Next?
As of June 9, 2025, the situation in Los Angeles remains tense and unpredictable.
Current status:
– Protests continue in downtown Los Angeles and surrounding areas.
– National Guard troops are still deployed throughout the city.
– California’s lawsuit against the Trump administration has been announced but not yet filed.
– Federal officials have promised to continue immigration enforcement “every day in L.A.”
Possible future developments:
– The legal fight over the National Guard could go to the Supreme Court.
– More protests and arrests are likely if ICE raids continue.
– The outcome could shape immigration policy and federal-state relations for years to come.
Practical Guidance for Residents and Immigrants
If you live in Los Angeles or have loved ones affected by these events, here are some steps you can take:
- Stay informed: Follow updates from trusted news sources and official government websites.
- Know your rights: Learn what to do if you or someone you know is approached by ICE or law enforcement. The USCIS website provides helpful resources.
- Seek legal help: If you or a family member is detained, contact an immigration lawyer as soon as possible.
- Document incidents: If you witness or experience mistreatment during protests or raids, write down what happened and, if safe, record video or audio.
Conclusion
The events unfolding in Los Angeles highlight the deep divisions and high stakes in the United States 🇺🇸 immigration debate. The use of the National Guard, the ongoing protests, and the legal battle between California and the federal government will have lasting effects on immigrants, local communities, and the country as a whole. As analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests, the outcome of this confrontation could set important precedents for how immigration laws are enforced and how states can respond to federal actions.
For now, residents of Los Angeles face uncertainty and tension, but also a renewed focus on the rights and responsibilities of all those living in the city. The coming weeks will be critical in determining how these issues are resolved and what they mean for the future of immigration policy in the United States 🇺🇸.
Learn Today
ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) → Federal agency enforcing immigration laws and conducting raids to detain undocumented immigrants.
National Guard → State military force that can be federalized by the president during emergencies without governor’s consent.
Sanctuary city → A city limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement to protect undocumented immigrants.
10 U.S.C. § 12406 → Federal law allowing the president to activate the National Guard without state approval in emergencies.
Tactical Alert → A law enforcement status indicating heightened readiness due to civil unrest or dangerous situations.
This Article in a Nutshell
Los Angeles erupted in protests after ICE raids on June 6, 2025, arresting 118 immigrants. Violent clashes led President Trump to deploy 2,000 National Guard troops without approval from Governor Newsom, triggering legal battles and political tension between federal and state authorities amid ongoing unrest.
— By VisaVerge.com
