LA protests explode after ICE raids: National guard deployed, marines on standby as tensions surge across California

The immigration protests in Los Angeles began after ICE arrested 44 undocumented individuals. According to the US Department of Homeland Security, the total number later reached 118. Uniformed ICE agents carried out the operations in unmarked, military-style vehicles. Protesters gathered outside facilities where some of the arrested were believed to be held. This sparked large demonstrations in downtown LA and beyond.

What is the government¡¯s response?

President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of 2,000 National Guard soldiers to Los Angeles County on Saturday. This move was opposed by both California Governor Gavin Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass. The Trump administration has now indicated that US Marines could also be deployed if needed. The US military¡¯s Northern Command confirmed that about 500 marines are on standby.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a social media post that the Marines and National Guard ¡°stand with ICE.¡± Speaker of the House Mike Johnson supported the stance, calling it consistent with the principle of maintaining peace through strength.

Where are the protests happening?

The demonstrations are largely taking place in downtown Los Angeles. One protest group blocked the 101 Freeway, with reports of objects thrown onto the road and police vehicles being damaged. LAPD declared the area an ¡°unlawful assembly.¡± Protesters also spray-painted anti-ICE slogans on the Edward R Roybal Federal Building.

In San Francisco, a solidarity protest near an ICE building also led to arrests. Police declared that gathering unlawful and detained about 60 people.

What is an unlawful assembly?

An unlawful assembly is legally defined as an intentional meeting of three or more people that disturbs public peace. LAPD enforced this definition during the protests and took action when demonstrations disrupted roads and damaged vehicles.

How has law enforcement reacted?

LAPD Captain Raul Jovel said 10 people were arrested on Sunday. Police Chief Jim McDonnell noted that 29 were arrested the previous day. Jovel also reported that three officers were injured in the clashes, though the injuries were minor and didn¡¯t require hospitalisation.

What has been vandalised?

Some protesters targeted Waymo self-driving cars, setting several on fire and spray-painting anti-ICE slogans. Media reports said the vandalism occurred between Arcadia and Alameda streets. LAPD issued an advisory asking the public to avoid the affected area.

Peaceful protests in LA. LA is on fire pic.twitter.com/DFFBN566rx

¡ª Robert A Rodriguez?? (@rarodz09) June 9, 2025

What are leaders saying?

California leaders strongly opposed Trump¡¯s actions. Newsom called the deployment a ¡°serious breach of state sovereignty,¡± and Bass termed it a ¡°chaotic escalation.¡± Both urged protesters not to resort to violence.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris said the National Guard deployment was meant to provoke chaos and called it part of a broader agenda to ¡°spread panic and division.¡±

Trump responded via his Truth Social platform, criticising Newsom and Bass and labelling protesters as ¡°insurrectionists.¡± Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said ICE would continue enforcing immigration law despite the protests.

Are there historical parallels?

The Trump administration¡¯s actions have drawn comparisons to the 1992 Rodney King riots, where marines were deployed alongside the National Guard after a jury acquitted four officers who were filmed beating a Black man. Those riots lasted six days and resulted in 63 deaths.

While the current protests in LA have seen sporadic vandalism, many demonstrations remain peaceful, according to officials.

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