What to know about the immigration protests in Los Angeles after ICE raids

Immigration protests in Los Angeles

Arrests over ICE raids

National Guard deployed without permission

Los Angeles experienced its most tense weekend of the year following the arrival of the National Guard without state authorization, the outbreak of mass protests, and the use of force by authorities.

More than 100 arrests took place amid ICE raids, clashes with police, and disturbances that included fires, damage to public buildings, and highway closures, according to CBS News.

How the immigration protests in Los Angeles started

What to know about the immigration protests in Los Angeles – Photo: Shutterstock

Protests broke out Friday in downtown Los Angeles after a series of immigration raids at businesses, parking lots, and residential areas.

On Saturday, they spread to areas like Paramount and Compton, where federal agents were accused of operating without prior notification.

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The arrival of about 300 National Guard troops, sent by President Trump, intensified the tension.

That same weekend, 39 people were arrested in the city, according to Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell.

What happened in the streets

Protesters blocked sections of Highway 101, set fire to self-driving cars, and threw objects at Highway Patrol officers.

Police declared the protest an unlawful assembly and responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and stun grenades.

CBS News reported fires in trash containers and looting damage to stores; buildings like the LAPD and the old Los Angeles Times were also vandalized.

In San Francisco, 60 arrests and two injured officers were reported during similar incidents.

The authorities’ response to the immigration protests in Los Angeles

Governor Gavin Newsom called the federal action “illegal and immoral” and announced a lawsuit against the Trump administration.

“The president acted illegally to federalize the National Guard,” Newsom posted on X. “We are suing him.”

Mayor Karen Bass also condemned the decision: “What we are seeing in Los Angeles is chaos provoked by the administration.”

Chief McDonnell defended the local response and clarified that they did not participate in the raids, as they are protected by the Values Act (SB 54).

What the politicians are saying

Kamala Harris denounced the deployment as part of “a dangerous escalation aimed at provoking chaos.”

“This is part of the Trump Administration’s cruel and calculated agenda to sow panic and division,” said the former Vice President.

Congresswoman Maxine Waters was more blunt: “I think he’s about to impose martial law.”

Trump responded on Truth Social with a direct message: “BRING IN THE TROOPS!!!” calling for the arrest of masked protesters. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth warned that if the violence continued, marines from Camp Pendleton could be deployed.

Context and background

This is the first time in decades that National Guard troops have been activated without a governor’s request.

The last similar instance was in 1965, when President Lyndon B. Johnson mobilized troops during the civil rights march in Alabama.

The number of immigrants detained by ICE in Los Angeles surpassed 100 last week.

A prominent union leader was arrested for “obstructing” the raids.

What’s next

Protests may continue throughout the week as political and legal pressure on the federal administration mounts.

Newsom insists that “California has the situation under control” and accuses Trump of being “a ruthless liar.”

Immigrant advocacy groups and community leaders are planning new peaceful demonstrations and legal assistance for those affected.

Although the Trump administration claims it aims to protect public safety, the dominant narrative in the state is that this is a political provocation for electoral purposes, CBS News reported.