Tensions erupted in Los Angeles between June 6 and 9, 2025, following targeted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids on June 6-7. These operations focused on businesses suspected of employing undocumented immigrants using fake documents.
The raids quickly sparked mass protests by undocumented immigrants and activists. The demonstrations escalated into civil unrest, with rioters hurling stones, setting vehicles on fire, and blocking roads. In response, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) declared these gatherings unlawful assemblies, leading to over 100 arrests.
On June 7, 2025, President Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to the area. This decision met with strong opposition from local leaders, including Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass, who publicly voiced their disagreement with the federal intervention.
This report details 16 incidents that occurred in Los Angeles County during this period, outlining the chronological sequence of arson, assaults, and administrative actions taken in the aftermath of the ICE raids.
ICE targets businesses in Los Angeles over undocumented workers
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently conducted a series of planned operations in Los Angeles, targeting locations suspected of employing undocumented workers. These raids, which included a clothing warehouse in the city’s bustling Fashion District and a Home Depot parking lot in the Westlake area, resulted in the arrest of 44 individuals for immigration violations.
The events unfolding in Los Angeles from June 6-7, 2025, represent a significant flashpoint in the ongoing national debate over immigration enforcement. The initial ICE raids, targeting businesses for alleged employment of undocumented individuals with falsified documents, quickly ignited a volatile public response. The subsequent escalation from peaceful protests to acts of vandalism, arson, and road blockages, met by swift law enforcement action and over 100 arrests, underscores the deep-seated frustrations and defiance within affected communities.
Violent clashes erupt: Protesters confront law enforcement in Los Angeles
Demonstrations in Los Angeles escalated into violent confrontations as protesters, identified by authorities as illegal refugees and other demonstrators, pelted law enforcement officers with a barrage of projectiles.
Reports indicate that chunks of concrete, rocks, fireworks, glass bottles, and even electric scooters were hurled at ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and Border Patrol agents, as well as police vehicles.
As the situation intensified into the evening, around 7:30-8pm on June 6 authorities declared the gatherings “unlawful assemblies.” In response, a combined force of the LAPD (Los Angeles Police Department), County Sheriffs, and federal agents employed various crowd control measures. These included tear gas, rubber bullets, flash-bang grenades, pepper spray, and pepper balls to disperse the crowds and restore order.
The operations were initiated based on evidence suggesting that some employers were hiring undocumented workers who were using fake documents. ICE’s actions underscore their ongoing efforts to enforce immigration laws and address the issue of undocumented employment.
LAPD declares unlawful assembly amidst downtown LA protests
Tensions escalated in downtown Los Angeles on the evening of June 6 or 7, 2025, as the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officially declared an “unlawful assembly” around 7:51pm. The affected area stretched along Alameda Street, between Temple and Aliso.
Police reported observing a crowd of approximately 200 protesters who remained undeterred by disperse orders. These individuals were actively throwing concrete, bottles, scooters, and other debris at officers and ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) vehicles.
By approximately 8pm, the situation prompted the LAPD’s Central Division to announce a citywide tactical alert. At that point, a total of 27 arrests had been made: 17 by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) on the 101 Freeway, and 10 by the LAPD.
Protesters face dispersal orders in Paramount as unrest continues
As civil unrest continued to unfold, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) issued formal dispersal orders via loudspeakers around 2:30pm on June 7 in the vicinity of the Home Depot and Alondra Boulevard in Paramount.
The orders were given as demonstrators had obstructed streets, using shopping carts and large debris such as recycling bins. Videos from the scene further depicted protesters throwing rocks, fireworks, and bottles at law enforcement officers and vehicles. The dispersal orders aimed to clear the area and de-escalate the volatile situation.
Firefighters tackle vehicle blaze amidst protests
Amidst ongoing unrest, a white sedan caught fire near Atlantic Avenue and Alondra Boulevard at approximately 5pm on June 7. The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) quickly responded to the scene, successfully extinguishing the blaze. The incident occurred during a period of protests, adding to the chaotic atmosphere in the area.
President Trump authorises National Guard Deployment to quell LA protests
In a significant escalation of efforts to restore order, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order authorising the deployment of 2,000 National Guard soldiers to Los Angeles and its surrounding areas.
The decision was announced by Border official Tom Homan, who stated that the National Guard troops would be deployed overnight. Their mission is to assist local law enforcement in managing the ongoing protests and civil unrest that have gripped the city. This federal intervention signals a heightened response to the volatile situation in Los Angeles.
California Governor Newsom Demands National Guard withdrawal, citing unlawful deployment
California Governor Gavin Newsom has vehemently opposed the federal intervention in Los Angeles, following President Trump’s order to deploy National Guard troops. In a strong rebuke, Governor Newsom formally requested President Trump to withdraw the deployed soldiers.
Newsom argued that the deployment was “unlawful” and a direct violation of state sovereignty, emphasising that the state had not requested such federal assistance.
Mayor Bass on Federal Intervention
LA Mayor Karen Bass forcefully objected to the federal government’s decision to deploy the National Guard (NGS), characterising the move as a “chaotic escalation” and a mere “political stunt.” She specifically criticised the lack of co-ordination with local authorities, emphasising that the intervention bypassed established protocols.
Gas station looted, car torched amidst compton anti-ICE protests
During recent anti-ICE protests in Compton, a gas station located near Atlantic Avenue and Alondra Boulevard was looted and ransacked. In a separate incident, protestors also set a white sedan on fire nearby; fire crews later extinguished the blaze. These events occurred amid a broader escalation of violence in the area.
Federal troops deployed to LA; marines on high alert
Approximately 300 National Guard troops have arrived in Los Angeles, marking the first federal deployment under Title 10 in six decades. This deployment was initiated under a directive from Trump, which also placed Marines at Camp Pendleton on high alert.
Protests intensify in Los Angeles; National Guard responds with force
In Los Angeles, protests escalated significantly, leading the National Guard to deploy tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse rioters. Demonstrators blocked Highway 101, and several vehicles were set on fire. Over 30 arrests were made, and both a Border Patrol officer and one protester sustained injuries during the clashes.
Party for Socialism and Liberation leads anti-ICE protest at City Hall
A protest organised by the Party for Socialism and Liberation took place outside Los Angeles City Hall around 2pm on June 9. Protesters chanted slogans such as “National Guard go away, ICE get out of Los Angeles,” expressing their opposition to federal intervention.
California Governor declares Trump’s National Guard deployment in LA unlawful
Governor Newsom publicly condemned the federal government’s deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles without his authorisation, characterising the action as unconstitutional, immoral, and “illegal.” Newsom announced that California intends to sue the federal government, seeking remedies through federal and constitutional law.
LAPD Chief admits officers “overwhelmed” amidst surging protests
Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Chief Jim McDonnell publicly acknowledged that his officers were “overwhelmed” by the escalating violence during recent anti-ICE protests in downtown Los Angeles.
Freeway blocked, driverless cars torched in LA Immigration raid clashes
Around 4pm on June 9, protesters entered the US 101 freeway in downtown Los Angeles, bringing traffic to a halt and forcing authorities to close the freeway in both directions. During the unrest, five Waymo driverless cars were vandalised and subsequently set on fire.
Administration puts 500 Marines on standby for potential LA escalation
The Trump administration has placed approximately 500 Marines from the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines at Twentynine Palms on a “prepared to deploy” status. This measure was taken in anticipation of potential escalation in Los Angeles amidst ongoing anti-ICE protests.
