- Over the weekend, federal ICE agents carried out multiple immigration raids in downtown Los Angeles—including in the Fashion District, a Home Depot in Paramount, and a clothing wholesaler. More than 100 people were detained during these operations, which included surprise raids.
- The raids sparked large-scale protests and violent clashes. Demonstrators set fire to vehicles and debris, hurled rocks and concrete, and confronted federal officers. In response, law enforcement deployed tear gas, stun grenades, flash-bangs, and other non‑lethal munitions.
- On Saturday evening into Sunday morning, tensions escalated further. Federal officials reported “violent mobs” assaulting ICE and other agents, prompting measures of crowd control.
🪖 Federal Escalation: National Guard & Potential Marines
- President Trump ordered 2,000 California National Guard troops to be deployed under federal authority to assist ICE and DHS in managing the unrest.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that active-duty Marines based at Camp Pendleton are on high alert and could be deployed if violence continues.
- Trump also banned masks at protests, asserting that agitators are covering their identities.
🏛️ Reactions from State & Local Leaders
- Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the federal intervention as “purposefully inflammatory,” insisting state and local law enforcement were handling the situation and that no unmet needs existed.
- Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles expressed that while peaceful protesting is protected, violence and destruction are unacceptable and those responsible will face consequences.
- California Senator Alex Padilla criticized the deployment of the Guard, calling it “misguided” and accused the federal government of sowing “chaos and division.”
🚨 Current Status
- The National Guard is actively stationed in key areas such as downtown LA and Paramount to support federal and local authorities.
- Clashes continue to erupt periodically, with crowd control tactics being used in hotspots especially around Home Depot and other raid sites.
- Arrests are ongoing, including charges of assault against federal agents and failure to disperse. Some detainees reportedly threw Molotov cocktails or incendiary objects.
- Public safety operations are focused on both containing violent outbreaks and enabling continued ICE enforcement.
Summary & What to Watch
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Trigger | ICE immigration raids on June 6, arresting over 100 individuals |
| Escalation | Violent clashes, fires, and crowd control; National Guard deployed |
| Authorities | Federal-led deployment overrides state control; active-duty Marines on alert |
| Local Leaders | Object and urge peaceful protest; emphasize no tolerance for violence |
| Next Developments | Could include Marine deployment, federal-state legal disputes, and protests extending to more neighborhoods |
If you’re in or around the affected areas, it’s wise to avoid downtown L.A., Paramount, and other raid sites for safety. Authorities have implemented tactical alerts—expect road closures and enhanced law enforcement presence.
