Large-scale protests have erupted across Los Angeles following a series of federal immigration raids, prompting the deployment of the National Guard and sparking direct clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement.
On Friday, federal agents launched coordinated operations targeting undocumented migrants across the city. The raids triggered immediate backlash from activist groups and local communities, resulting in mass demonstrations that have since escalated into violent confrontations.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, groups of protesters began gathering late Friday evening in central areas of the city, including downtown and the Westlake district. Over the weekend, the protests intensified. Participants blocked highways, set fire to vehicles—including several autonomous taxis—and launched fireworks, glass bottles, and concrete debris at police lines.
Footage from the scene shows at least three Waymo self-driving vehicles in flames near Civic Center. Demonstrators waved Palestinian flags, chanted anti-government slogans, and displayed banners criticizing immigration enforcement.
Law enforcement responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and sponge rounds. A British freelance journalist was reportedly injured by a police projectile and required medical attention.
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell stated Sunday that officers are facing “a level of firepower not typically seen in civilian protests,” citing the use of industrial-grade pyrotechnics that pose “lethal risks.” He confirmed that several officers have sustained injuries.
On Saturday night, President Donald Trump announced the mobilization of 2,000 California National Guard troops under Title 10, overriding the objections of Governor Gavin Newsom. By Sunday afternoon, over 300 Guard members were on the ground in Los Angeles. The U.S. Marine Corps confirmed that an additional 500 Marines have been placed on alert at the Twentynine Palms base, ready for potential urban deployment.
“The situation in Los Angeles is out of control,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Federal agents are under attack by violent mobs trying to stop lawful deportations. We will restore order.”
Governor Newsom condemned the move, calling it “unconstitutional” and stating that California did not request federal military assistance. Mayor Karen Bass also criticized the deployment, saying the protests, while tense, were being managed at the local level prior to federal involvement.
In a press briefing Sunday night, LAPD officials reported over 120 arrests and at least 30 injuries, including several journalists and legal observers. Police are also investigating incidents involving drones and small-scale incendiary devices used against law enforcement checkpoints.
Protests are expected to continue throughout the week, with activist groups organizing additional demonstrations in East LA, Santa Monica, and Inglewood. Civil rights organizations have filed legal challenges against both the immigration raids and the military deployment, claiming violations of First and Fourth Amendment rights.
The White House has not ruled out the possibility of expanding troop presence in other major cities where ICE operations are ongoing.
