Los Angeles Immigration Protests Heat Up as National Guard Deployed

A wave of massive protests has rocked Los Angeles following large-scale immigration raids carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on June 6, 2025. In operations spanning several strategic city locations—from Home Depot to the Fashion District—authorities detained at least 44 to 118 people. Those arrested included day laborers, asylum seekers, and individuals who have lived in the United States for years. The arrests immediately triggered outrage in local communities, sparking demonstrations that soon spread across the city center.

What began as peaceful protests quickly escalated into open clashes in several hotspots, particularly around federal buildings and City Hall. Protesters hurled stones, bottles, and fireworks, while authorities responded with tear gas, flash-bangs, and rubber bullets. Tensions peaked as demonstrators blocked the I-101 Freeway, causing major traffic disruptions in downtown Los Angeles. Police declared the gatherings an “unlawful assembly” and arrested dozens of protesters.

The federal government, led by President Donald Trump, responded to the escalating situation by deploying over 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles. This move was made without the consent of California Governor Gavin Newsom, sparking sharp legal and political debate. Newsom firmly stated that the federal troop deployment was “unlawful” and violated the state’s sovereignty. Meanwhile, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass condemned the federal action, calling it excessive intervention that risked worsening the situation on the ground.

The situation in Los Angeles is further complicated by the city’s “sanctuary city” status, adopted since November 2024. As a city committed to protecting immigrants, Los Angeles has often clashed with Trump’s agenda of mass deportations. The latest raids are widely seen as a federal effort to suppress resistance from sanctuary cities. It’s no surprise that many view these protests as a symbol of defiance against repressive and inhumane immigration policies.

The clashes have drawn not only local but also international attention. Former Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has spoken out, calling for U.S. immigration policy reform. The international community and human rights organizations continue to monitor the situation closely, highlighting concerns over the potential violation of free speech and immigrant rights.

For the immigrant community, the situation has instilled deep fear. Many day laborers now avoid leaving home, have lost access to work, and feel unsafe in their daily lives. Activists warn that mass arrests and the presence of security forces will only worsen the crisis of trust between residents and authorities.

Three days after the raids, protests in Los Angeles show no signs of abating. Security forces remain stationed in the city center and other sensitive areas, while sporadic clashes and arrests continue. The state government is now taking legal steps to challenge the unilateral deployment of the National Guard, a move expected to prolong the conflict between federal authorities and California.

These events highlight how tensions between federal policies and local aspirations can spiral into widespread political and social crises. Los Angeles is now the main stage for a narrative battle between immigrant rights and national security policy, with direct consequences for millions of its residents. Amidst uncertainty and turmoil, the voices of civil society remain crucial in shaping the path forward, proving that American democracy is being tested on the streets of Los Angeles.