Introduction: Escalating Unrest in LA
Los Angeles has been rocked by days of violent protests triggered by immigration raids carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Dozens of arrests, property damage, and clashes with law enforcement have marked the unrest in America’s second-largest city.
Why Are People Protesting?
The protests began after ICE ramped up raids in neighborhoods with large Latino populations, including the Westlake district and Paramount. These raids are part of President Donald Trump’s aggressive crackdown on illegal immigration following his return to the White House.
Though some reports of raids—like the one alleged at a Home Depot in Paramount—were later denied by officials, ICE confirmed multiple arrests across the greater LA area. The intensified operations have fueled anger and protests in communities deeply affected by immigration enforcement.
Where Are the Protests Happening?
The unrest is concentrated mainly in downtown Los Angeles, which police have declared an “unlawful assembly” zone. Protesters have clashed with police, who have used tear gas, pepper spray, and flash-bang grenades. Incidents include vehicles being set on fire and alleged looting, disrupting parts of the city.
The downtown Federal Building has become a protest hotspot due to ICE detainees reportedly held there. Nearby, a Home Depot in Paramount has also been a focal point, guarded by National Guard troops after clashes with demonstrators.
San Francisco has seen similar protests, with multiple arrests and injuries reported.
The National Guard Deployment and Political Row
President Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles, bypassing California Governor Gavin Newsom’s authority by invoking a rarely-used federal law. This marks the first such deployment without a governor’s request since 1965, escalating tensions between state and federal officials.
Governor Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass criticized the move, saying local police forces could manage the situation and accusing the White House of inflaming tensions. Newsom has threatened legal action against the federal government over this deployment.
What Role Does the National Guard Play?
The National Guard’s mission is to protect federal agents like ICE and Department of Homeland Security personnel. They are not authorized to conduct immigration raids or act as local law enforcement; that role remains with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).
Despite threats from Trump to invoke the Insurrection Act, federal troops have not engaged in direct civilian law enforcement. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has also placed nearby active-duty Marines on high alert as a precaution.
ICE’s Expanded Operations in Los Angeles
The immigration raids form part of what the White House calls the “biggest deportation operation” in US history. Los Angeles, home to a large immigrant population, has been a primary target. Arrests are increasingly occurring in workplaces, including restaurants and retail outlets.
In May 2025, ICE arrested 239 undocumented migrants in the LA area during one week, but overall deportations have fallen short of Trump’s ambitious goals. The administration has now ordered ICE to make at least 3,000 arrests daily nationwide, intensifying enforcement efforts.
Some detainees are being transferred to a mega-prison in El Salvador, including individuals with legal status in the US, sparking legal challenges and human rights concerns.
Conclusion: A City Divided Amid Immigration Turmoil
The protests in Los Angeles highlight deep divisions over immigration enforcement and federal-state relations. As ICE escalates raids and federal troops maintain a controversial presence, community tensions remain high.
For ongoing updates on the protests and immigration policies, explore our related coverage on ICE immigration enforcement and National Guard deployments in civil unrest.
