Violent Protests Shake Los Angeles After ICE Raids; Federal Troops Deployed Amid Escalating Unrest
Los Angeles, CA | June 9, 2025 — What began as peaceful demonstrations against federal immigration enforcement spiraled into chaos across Los Angeles, prompting the deployment of federal troops and igniting a political and legal firestorm.
ICE Raids Spark Outrage
Outrage erupted after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducted a series of workplace raids across Southern California, detaining over 100 individuals—both undocumented immigrants and some legal residents. The arrests sparked immediate backlash in immigrant communities and triggered mass protests.
Protests Turn Violent
Peaceful gatherings quickly devolved into violent clashes over the weekend. Protesters set fire to vehicles—including at least four autonomous Waymo taxis—on the 101 Freeway near downtown Los Angeles. Law enforcement faced a barrage of rocks, glass bottles, fireworks, and Molotov cocktails.
Heavy Crowd Control Measures
In response, local and federal authorities deployed aggressive crowd control tactics. Police fired tear gas, rubber bullets, flash-bang grenades, and pepper balls to disperse demonstrators. Several media personnel were caught in the crossfire, including an Australian journalist who was struck by a rubber bullet during a live broadcast.
Law Enforcement Crackdown
The Los Angeles Police Department declared multiple areas, including parts of downtown and nearby freeways, as sites of unlawful assembly. At least 27 arrests were made on Sunday alone for charges including assault, arson, obstruction of traffic, and rioting.
Union Leader Arrested
David Huerta, President of SEIU-California, was arrested for allegedly obstructing federal agents during the ICE operations. Although he was later released on $50,000 bail, Huerta’s arrest ignited further protests nationwide and drew support from labor and civil rights organizations.
Federal Deployment Under Insurrection Act
In a historic and controversial move, President Donald Trump invoked the Insurrection Act to deploy nearly 2,000 National Guard troops and 700 U.S. Marines to Los Angeles, bringing the total federal presence to around 4,000. The deployment was ordered without the consent of California Governor Gavin Newsom.
State Pushes Back with Lawsuit
Governor Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass have condemned the federal intervention as unconstitutional. The state of California has filed a lawsuit against the federal government, citing a violation of states’ rights and federal overreach.
