LAPD and LA County Sheriff Roles in Protests and Immigration Raids

Key Takeaways

• Federal immigration raids in Los Angeles County arrested 118 immigrants, including 44 on June 6, 2025.
• President Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops, with 300 arriving by Sunday morning to support law enforcement.
• LAPD and LASD managed protests but maintained non-involvement in federal immigration enforcement during unrest.

Federal Immigration Raids Spark Protests and Law Enforcement Response in Los Angeles County

A wave of federal immigration raids in Los Angeles County 🇺🇸 set off widespread protests and a complex law enforcement response over the weekend of June 6–8, 2025. Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets in Paramount, downtown Los Angeles, and Compton, confronting federal agents and local police. As tensions rose, President Trump ordered the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to the area, with the first 300 arriving by Sunday morning. The Department of Homeland Security reported 118 immigrants arrested in Los Angeles this week, including 44 on Friday alone. Local law enforcement, including the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), played a central role in managing the protests, but both agencies emphasized their non-involvement in federal immigration enforcement.

This article explains the roles of LAPD and LASD during these events, the impact on immigrant communities, and the broader policy context. It also looks at the implications for residents, protesters, and local officials as the situation continues to unfold.

What Happened: Protests and Federal Raids

On Friday, June 6, 2025, federal agents from the Department of Homeland Security began a series of aggressive immigration raids across Los Angeles County 🇺🇸. News of the raids spread quickly, sparking protests at raid sites, federal buildings, and key intersections. Demonstrations grew larger and more intense over the weekend, with hundreds of people gathering in Paramount, downtown Los Angeles, and Compton. Protesters demanded an end to the raids and voiced anger at what they described as “military-style” tactics used by federal agents.

By Saturday evening, the situation had escalated. Protesters blocked streets, confronted law enforcement, and, in some cases, threw objects at officers. In response, President Trump authorized the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles County 🇺🇸, with the first 300 arriving at three locations by Sunday morning.

The Role of Local Law Enforcement

Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)

Crowd Control and Dispersal:
The LAPD’s main job during the protests was to manage crowds, keep the peace, and respond to any unrest. Officers declared unlawful assemblies when protests turned violent or blocked major streets. They issued dispersal orders, telling people to leave the area or face arrest. On Saturday night, LAPD closed major streets like Alameda between Los Angeles Street and 2nd Street, warning that anyone who stayed after dispersal orders would be arrested.

Use of Less-Lethal Force:
After reports that some protesters threw concrete at officers, LAPD authorized the use of less-lethal munitions, such as rubber bullets and bean bag rounds. The department also issued a citywide tactical alert, which means all available officers were called in to respond to the unrest.

Official Position:
LAPD leaders made it clear that their officers were not involved in federal immigration enforcement. Their focus was on keeping order and protecting the rights of people to protest peacefully. In official statements, LAPD commended those who protested without violence but warned that violence and property destruction would not be tolerated.

Operational Actions:
LAPD officers were sent to key locations to prevent the protests from spreading. For example, they shut down the I-710 overpass to keep protests from spilling onto the freeway and causing more problems.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD)

Support Role, Not Immigration Enforcement:
The LASD also stressed that it did not take part in immigration enforcement or mass deportation sweeps. Instead, deputies helped with crowd and traffic control, especially when protests became violent or threatened public safety. For example, LASD responded to Paramount Boulevard after large crowds blocked the street, saying their only goal was to keep people safe—not to help with immigration actions.

Protecting Law Enforcement:
When federal agents came under attack from protesters, LASD provided support to protect all law enforcement officers from harm. However, they did not help with immigration arrests or operations.

Official Statements:
Sheriff Robert Luna repeated that the department’s job was to protect the rights of peaceful protesters and to stop violence and property damage. LASD said, “Any assault on federal or local law enforcement is unacceptable,” and made it clear they were not involved in immigration enforcement.

Incident Response:
As protests grew, LASD asked for more resources across the county. However, their public statements did not mention working directly with the National Guard.

Key Numbers and Incidents

• Protest-Related Arrests: LAPD arrested at least 29 people by Sunday morning for failing to comply with dispersal orders or for violent acts. More arrests were expected as protests continued.
• Immigration Arrests: The Department of Homeland Security reported 118 immigrants arrested in Los Angeles this week, including 44 on Friday alone.
• National Guard Troops: President Trump authorized 2,000 National Guard troops for Los Angeles County 🇺🇸, with 300 already in place by Sunday morning.

Policy and Practical Implications

Separation from Federal Enforcement

Both LAPD and LASD have long-standing policies that keep them separate from federal immigration enforcement. These policies are part of Los Angeles County’s 🇺🇸 “sanctuary” approach, which limits how much local police can work with federal immigration authorities. The goal is to build trust with immigrant communities and encourage people to report crimes without fear of deportation.

Focus on Public Safety

Local law enforcement leaders say their top priority is public safety. This means keeping order during protests, protecting property, and making sure everyone—including protesters, residents, and bystanders—is safe. They also stress the importance of protecting First Amendment rights, which allow people to protest peacefully.

Community Relations and Tensions

Despite these policies, the strong presence of local law enforcement at protest sites has made some immigrant communities and activists uneasy. Many fear that even if LAPD and LASD are not directly involved in immigration enforcement, their actions could still help federal agents or make it easier for immigration arrests to happen. This has led to tension and suspicion, especially as protests continue and the National Guard becomes more visible.

Stakeholder Perspectives

Local Officials

Mayor Karen Bass condemned the ICE raids, calling them tactics that “sow terror in our communities” and disrupt public safety. City and county officials have worked with immigrant rights groups and called for restraint from all sides.

Federal Officials

ICE and the Department of Homeland Security defended the raids, saying they targeted “criminal illegal aliens,” including gang members and people with criminal records. ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons said the agency would keep enforcing immigration laws and hold “violent rioters” accountable.

Community and Advocacy Groups

Immigrant rights advocates and union leaders criticized the raids and the law enforcement response, calling them “cruel,” “unnecessary,” and “military-style.” They argue that these actions create fear and chaos in immigrant communities, making people afraid to go to work, school, or even seek medical help.

Elected Representatives

California Democrats, including Representatives Derek Tran and Jimmy Gomez, condemned the raids and the response to protests. They said these actions violate First Amendment rights and are part of a “nationwide pattern of suppression.”

Background and Historical Context

Sanctuary Policies

Los Angeles County 🇺🇸 has a long history of limiting local law enforcement’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities. These sanctuary policies are designed to protect immigrants and encourage them to report crimes without fear of deportation. Both LAPD and LASD have rules that prevent officers from asking about immigration status or helping with immigration enforcement, except in very limited situations.

Federal-State Tensions

The recent escalation is part of a larger, ongoing conflict between California officials and federal authorities over immigration enforcement. Local leaders have resisted participating in ICE operations, arguing that it undermines community trust and public safety.

Step-by-Step: How Local Law Enforcement Responded

1. Federal Immigration Raids Initiated:
   ICE and other federal agencies began raids at targeted locations across Los Angeles County 🇺🇸.

2. Protests Erupt:
   News of the raids spread quickly, leading to both spontaneous and organized protests at raid sites and federal buildings.

3. Local Law Enforcement Deployed:
   LAPD and LASD responded to manage crowds, direct traffic, and prevent violence or property damage.

4. Escalation and Dispersal:
   When protests turned violent or blocked streets, LAPD and LASD declared unlawful assemblies, issued dispersal orders, and arrested those who did not comply.

5. Coordination with Federal Agencies:
   Local law enforcement protected federal agents under attack but did not take part in immigration enforcement actions.

6. National Guard Support:
   As unrest grew, President Trump ordered National Guard troops to Los Angeles County 🇺🇸 to support law enforcement and help maintain order.

Implications for Stakeholders

Immigrant Communities

Many immigrants in Los Angeles County 🇺🇸 are worried about their safety and the safety of their families. The raids and protests have created a climate of fear, with some people afraid to leave their homes or send their children to school. Community groups are urging immigrants to know their rights and seek legal help if needed.

Protesters and Activists

Protesters say they will keep demonstrating until the raids stop and immigrant communities feel safe. They are also calling for more oversight of law enforcement and an end to what they see as heavy-handed tactics.

Local Law Enforcement

LAPD and LASD are under pressure to balance public safety with the rights of protesters and the concerns of immigrant communities. They must also respond to criticism from both federal officials, who want more cooperation, and local leaders, who want to protect immigrants.

Federal Agencies

ICE and the Department of Homeland Security say they will continue to enforce immigration laws and target people they describe as threats to public safety. They have also promised to hold anyone who attacks law enforcement accountable.

Future Outlook and Pending Developments

• Continued Protests Expected: Authorities expect more demonstrations as federal raids continue and the National Guard remains in Los Angeles County 🇺🇸.
• Possible Policy Changes: Ongoing political and legal debates may lead to new rules about how local law enforcement interacts with federal immigration agencies.
• Community Impact: Tensions between immigrant communities and law enforcement are likely to continue, with advocacy groups pushing for more protections and oversight.

Official Resources and Contacts

• LAPD: Public Information Office, (213) 486-5910; updates available through LAPD Central Division.
• LA County Sheriff’s Department: Public Information Office, (213) 229-1700; official statements on the LASD website.
• City of Los Angeles: Mayor’s Office, (213) 978-0600; updates on the City of Los Angeles website.
• ACLU of Southern California: (213) 977-9500; for legal support and information about your rights.

For more information about your rights during immigration enforcement actions, visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s official page.

Summary Table: Local Law Enforcement Roles

Takeaways and Next Steps

• If you are an immigrant in Los Angeles County 🇺🇸: Know your rights, stay informed, and seek legal help if you are affected by raids.
• If you are protesting: Follow all lawful orders from police, know your rights, and avoid violence to protect yourself and others.
• For all residents: Stay updated through official channels and community organizations. Report any violence or threats to public safety.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the events in Los Angeles County 🇺🇸 highlight the ongoing challenges and tensions between federal immigration enforcement and local law enforcement’s commitment to community trust and public safety. The situation remains fluid, with further protests and policy debates expected in the days ahead.

Learn Today

National Guard → A reserve military force deployed by the president to support law enforcement during civil unrest.
Immigration Raids → Federal operations targeting undocumented immigrants for arrest and detention under immigration law enforcement.
Sanctuary Policies → Local laws limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities to protect immigrant communities from deportation.
Less-Lethal Munitions → Non-firearm weapons like rubber bullets used by police to control crowds with reduced fatal risk.
Unlawful Assembly → A gathering declared illegal due to violence or disruption, which may lead to dispersal orders and arrests.

This Article in a Nutshell

Federal immigration raids sparked protests across Los Angeles County in June 2025, leading to National Guard deployment. Local police controlled crowds without enforcing immigration laws, emphasizing the protection of peaceful protesters amid rising tensions and community fears.
— By VisaVerge.com