Key Takeaways
• Over 100 immigrants arrested during ICE raids starting June 6 sparked violent protests in Los Angeles.
• On June 8, protesters damaged and set fire to five Waymo robotaxis and Lime e-scooters.
• President Trump federalized California National Guard; Governor Newsom opposed the troop deployment.
On June 9, 2025, the streets of Los Angeles saw a dramatic escalation in public unrest as protesters set fire to several Waymo robotaxis and Lime e-scooters. This violent outburst followed a series of aggressive ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) raids that began on June 6, resulting in the arrest of over 100 immigrants across the city. The events have drawn national attention, highlighting the deep tensions between immigration enforcement, public protest, technology, and urban safety.
What Happened: The Incident in Detail
The protests started on June 6, 2025, after news broke of large-scale ICE operations in Los Angeles. These raids led to the arrest of more than 100 immigrants, sparking anger and fear among local communities. By June 8, the situation had intensified. Protesters gathered in downtown Los Angeles, especially on Los Angeles Street, where they targeted five Waymo robotaxis. The group slashed tires, broke windows, spray-painted anti-ICE messages, and set three of the vehicles on fire. Lime e-scooters, which are popular for short trips around the city, were also thrown into the burning cars.
The Los Angeles Fire Department responded quickly to put out the fires, but the damage was already done. The burning of electric vehicles and scooters released toxic gases, including hydrogen fluoride, which can be dangerous to both first responders and bystanders. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) issued warnings about the health risks from these fires and worked to disperse the crowds, using batons and rubber bullets. Some journalists covering the protests were also caught in the chaos.
Videos and photos of the burning Waymo robotaxis and e-scooters spread rapidly on social media, drawing even more attention to the protests and the issues at their core.
Law Enforcement and Federal Response
The response from law enforcement was swift and forceful. The LAPD, along with the California Highway Patrol, closed the 101 Freeway for several hours to contain the protests and detain demonstrators. The use of force by police, including rubber bullets, was widely reported and criticized by some community groups.
In a move that further escalated tensions, President Trump ordered the federalization of the California National Guard, sending up to 300 soldiers to Los Angeles. This decision was met with strong opposition from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who called it a “serious breach of state sovereignty” and formally requested the removal of the troops. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the federal government was prepared to send in Marines if the violence continued.
Waymo, the company whose robotaxis were targeted, confirmed that it was in contact with law enforcement but did not issue a detailed public statement as of June 9.
Why Were Waymo Robotaxis Targeted?
The attack on Waymo robotaxis in Los Angeles was not random. Several factors contributed to the targeting of these vehicles:
- Surveillance Concerns: Protesters have expressed worries that police use footage from Waymo robotaxis in criminal investigations. These vehicles are equipped with cameras and sensors that record their surroundings, raising fears about privacy and surveillance.
- Symbol of Technology: Waymo, as a leader in autonomous vehicles, represents rapid technological change. Some protesters see these vehicles as symbols of a future that feels out of their control, especially when combined with concerns about government surveillance.
- Previous Incidents: Waymo vehicles have been vandalized before, both in Los Angeles and other cities like San Francisco. This pattern suggests a growing resistance to autonomous mobility services in some urban communities.
The Role of ICE Raids in Sparking Protests
The root cause of the unrest was the aggressive ICE raids that began on June 6. Over 100 immigrants were arrested in these operations, which many community members saw as heavy-handed and unjust. The raids triggered large-scale protests across Los Angeles, including in neighborhoods like Paramount and Compton. Protesters blocked major freeways and clashed with police, leading to a tense and sometimes violent atmosphere.
For many, the raids were not just about immigration enforcement—they were seen as an attack on the city’s diverse communities. The fear and anger generated by these actions created a volatile environment in which property damage and confrontations with law enforcement became more likely.
Public Safety and Environmental Risks
One of the most immediate concerns during the protests was the danger posed by burning electric vehicles and e-scooters. When lithium-ion batteries catch fire, they release toxic gases that can harm both people and the environment. The Los Angeles Fire Department had to use special equipment and procedures to handle these fires safely.
The LAPD warned the public about the risks, emphasizing that burning batteries can release hydrogen fluoride, a gas that can cause serious health problems if inhaled. These dangers added another layer of complexity to the already tense situation, making it clear that the protests had real consequences for public safety.
Impact on Waymo and the Autonomous Vehicle Industry
Waymo has been at the forefront of autonomous mobility in the United States 🇺🇸. Since launching its ride-hailing service in Los Angeles in November 2024, the company has provided over 250,000 paid trips per week across its U.S. markets and driven 1.9 million miles in Los Angeles alone. However, the repeated targeting of Waymo robotaxis in Los Angeles and other cities has created significant challenges.
- Operational Disruptions: The destruction of vehicles disrupts service for customers and creates financial losses for the company.
- Reputational Damage: Incidents like these can make potential riders feel unsafe or uneasy about using autonomous vehicles.
- Policy and Regulatory Pressure: Ongoing vandalism and public resistance may lead to new regulations or restrictions on autonomous vehicle operations, especially in cities where tensions are high.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these attacks reflect a broader unease with both rapid technological change and the use of technology in law enforcement. The intersection of these issues with immigration policy has created a flashpoint in Los Angeles and other urban centers.
Federal-State Tensions: A Political Standoff
The deployment of federal troops to Los Angeles has sparked a political standoff between state and federal authorities. President Trump’s decision to federalize the National Guard was intended to restore order, but Governor Newsom’s strong opposition highlights the ongoing debate over state versus federal control in times of crisis.
This conflict is not just about the protests—it reflects deeper disagreements over immigration policy, law enforcement, and the role of technology in society. The situation in Los Angeles has become a symbol of these broader national debates.
Multiple Perspectives: Stakeholders Respond
Protesters
Many protesters were motivated by anger over the ICE raids and concerns about surveillance. For them, the Waymo robotaxis represented both the threat of government monitoring and the rapid changes happening in their communities. The destruction of these vehicles was a way to express their frustration and demand change.
Law Enforcement
The LAPD and other agencies focused on restoring order and protecting public safety. They warned about the dangers of burning electric vehicles and used force to disperse crowds when necessary. However, their actions have also been criticized by some for being too aggressive.
Waymo and Mobility Companies
Waymo and other mobility companies now face the challenge of operating in an environment where their vehicles can become targets during times of unrest. The company has not issued a detailed public statement but is working with law enforcement to address the situation.
City and State Officials
Governor Newsom and other state officials have emphasized the importance of state sovereignty and opposed federal intervention. They are also concerned about the impact of ongoing unrest on the city’s reputation and economy.
Historical Context: A Pattern of Conflict
The events in Los Angeles are part of a larger pattern. Waymo robotaxis have been vandalized before, including in Beverly Grove (January 2025) and San Francisco’s Chinatown (February 2024). In July 2024, a Bay Area resident was charged with vandalizing 17 Waymo vehicles in just three days.
Aggressive ICE raids have also triggered protests in California in the past, often leading to confrontations with law enforcement and property damage. The combination of immigration enforcement, public protest, and technological change has created a volatile mix in many American cities.
Environmental and Health Concerns
Burning electric vehicles and e-scooters is not just a matter of property damage. The release of toxic gases from lithium-ion batteries poses serious health risks. Emergency responders must use special equipment to handle these fires, and the long-term environmental impact is still being studied.
For more information on the health risks associated with lithium-ion battery fires, readers can visit the official Los Angeles Fire Department website.
Surveillance and Privacy: A Growing Debate
One of the key issues driving the protests is the use of footage from Waymo robotaxis by police. These vehicles are equipped with cameras that record everything around them. While this technology can help solve crimes, it also raises serious questions about privacy and surveillance.
Some protesters fear that the widespread use of robotaxis could turn cities into surveillance zones, where every movement is recorded and potentially used against them. This concern is especially strong in communities that already feel targeted by law enforcement.
What’s Next? Future Outlook and Possible Changes
The situation in Los Angeles remains tense. With federal and state officials at odds, further protests and unrest are possible if ICE operations continue or escalate. The repeated targeting of Waymo robotaxis suggests that public resistance to autonomous vehicles may grow, especially if privacy concerns are not addressed.
Waymo continues to expand its services, with plans to launch in cities like Atlanta, Miami, and Washington, D.C. in the coming years. However, the company will need to find ways to address public concerns about safety, privacy, and the role of technology in society.
Policy changes may also be on the horizon. Lawmakers could introduce new rules about how footage from autonomous vehicles can be used by police, or require stricter safety protocols for handling electric vehicle fires.
Practical Guidance for Residents and Immigrants
If you live in Los Angeles or other cities where protests are taking place, it’s important to stay informed and take steps to protect your safety:
- Avoid protest areas if possible, especially if violence is likely.
- Follow official instructions from the LAPD and Los Angeles Fire Department.
- Be aware of health risks from burning vehicles and e-scooters.
- If you are an immigrant and concerned about ICE raids, you can find official information and resources at ICE.gov.
For those using Waymo robotaxis or other autonomous vehicles, keep in mind that service disruptions may occur during times of unrest. Stay updated through official company channels and local news.
Conclusion: A City at a Crossroads
The burning of Waymo robotaxis and Lime e-scooters in Los Angeles is more than just an isolated act of vandalism. It reflects deep divisions over immigration policy, technology, and the future of urban life in the United States 🇺🇸. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the intersection of these issues will continue to shape debates in cities across the country.
With federal and state authorities at odds, and mobility companies facing new challenges, the path forward is uncertain. What is clear is that the events in Los Angeles have brought important questions about safety, privacy, and community to the forefront—questions that will need to be addressed as technology and society continue to change.
Learn Today
ICE → U.S. agency enforcing immigration laws and conducting raids to detain undocumented immigrants.
Waymo robotaxis → Autonomous vehicles operated by Waymo offering driverless ride services in select cities.
Federalization → The process of placing state military forces under federal government control.
Hydrogen fluoride → A toxic gas released from burning lithium-ion batteries, harmful to health and environment.
LAPD → Los Angeles Police Department responsible for city law enforcement and public safety.
This Article in a Nutshell
In June 2025, ICE raids in Los Angeles triggered protests, escalating to the destruction of Waymo robotaxis and Lime scooters. Authorities responded with force and federal troop deployments, raising privacy, public safety, and immigration enforcement issues, highlighting tensions around autonomous technology and community trust in urban areas nationwide.
— By VisaVerge.com
