Recent protests in Los Angeles against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids have been marked by significant outbreaks of violence. On June 7, 2025, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) released a statement asserting that protests in Los Angeles against ICE raids were largely peaceful, commending what they described as a responsible exercise of First Amendment rights. However, this official claim is sharply contradicted by numerous reports of violence that emerged during the demonstrations. A comprehensive review indicates 14 separate incidents of unrest across various locations from June 7 to June 10, 2025. These reports detail occurrences such as clashes between protestors and authorities, objects being thrown, injuries sustained by officers, blockages of freeways, acts of vandalism, burning of vehicles, and the deployment of tear gas by the police, painting a picture that deviates significantly from the LAPD’s initial portrayal.
CHP vehicles under barrage: Protesters hurl rocks and concrete from overpass
A dangerous escalation occurred in Los Angeles when protesters positioned on an overpass launched a volley of rocks, concrete blocks, and other debris onto the California Highway Patrol (CHP) vehicles below. Multiple police cruisers sustained damage from the projectiles. In a particularly brazen act, a concrete block directly struck a police vehicle, reportedly eliciting cheers from the crowd. In response to this direct assault, CHP officers deployed flash-bang rounds to disperse the aggressive demonstrators, as documented in video footage and reports from Hindustan Times.
Paintball attack on Federal Officers escalates LA riot
Amidst the escalating unrest in Los Angeles, a concerning incident saw a male individual directly target law enforcement personnel with a paintball gun. A car reportedly pulled up to the protest site, from which the individual fired multiple volleys of paintballs at Federal Officers and California National Guardsmen and women. This direct, non-lethal but aggressive assault on uniformed personnel further highlighted the volatile nature of the ongoing demonstrations, with video evidence capturing the incident.
Organised support: Gas masks and supplies distributed to protesters
In a clear indication of organised support for the ongoing protests, a truck was observed pulling up to a demonstration site in Los Angeles and distributing supplies to participants. The items being handed out included brand-new gas masks and other provisions, suggesting a prepared response to potential crowd control measures. This distribution of equipment points towards a level of planning among certain elements of the protest, aiming to equip demonstrators for prolonged engagement.
Tear gas and pepper balls deployed against protesters in Los Angeles
On June 9, 2025, police and National Guard forces in Los Angeles reportedly fired tear gas and pepper balls at protesters without warning. These individuals had gathered to voice their opposition to immigration raids ordered by the Trump administration. A group of demonstrators marched from Mariachi Plaza to the federal immigration detention centre, chanting slogans like “ICE out of LA” and holding up signs, reflecting the widespread anger and protests across the city targeting the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s crackdown. This incident was documented by India Today as part of 14 violent incidents during the Los Angeles ICE protests.
Protesters and police clash violently in Little Tokyo
On June 9, protesters and police faced off in Little Tokyo, leading to heated clashes. Officers deployed tear gas, flash bangs, and foam rounds in an attempt to control the crowds. Demonstrators, in turn, threw fireworks at police and used dumpsters for protection. Following the confrontations, city crews were seen clearing extensive vandalism and destruction, which included burned Waymo cars. This incident further highlighted the escalating tensions between protesters and law enforcement.
Waymo robotaxis torched amid downtown LA immigration protests
In a significant act of destruction, five Waymo robotaxis were set ablaze in downtown Los Angeles on June 9, 2025. This incident occurred amidst the widespread protests against the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. Following the arson, Alphabet-owned Waymo announced the suspension of its robotaxi service within the affected protest areas, indicating the severity of the unrest and its impact on urban infrastructure.
Attempted arson ambush: Rioter targets LAPD Horse Unit with gasoline
A serious and dangerous incident unfolded on June 9 in Los Angeles when a rioter reportedly attempted to set a trap for the Los Angeles Police Department’s Horse Mounted Unit. The individual was seen pouring a line of gasoline in the path of the officers and their horses, with the clear intent to ignite it and set them on fire. This alarming attempt to ambush law enforcement personnel highlights the extreme aggression witnessed during some segments of the protests. The incident was captured on video.
Australian journalist struck by rubber bullet while covering LA protests
An Australian reporter, Lauren Tomasi, was reportedly shot on June 9 9 with a rubber bullet while on assignment covering the ongoing protests against immigration raids in Los Angeles. The alarming incident occurred live on camera, raising immediate concerns about journalist safety. Following the event, Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade released a statement emphasising that “all journalists should be able to do their work safely,” condemning the targeting of the Nine News US correspondent. The incident was widely reported, including by The Guardian.
US flag burned amidst anti-Trump chants and foreign flags in LA protests
A highly symbolic and defiant act took place on June 9 in Los Angeles as protesters set the US flag ablaze on the ground. Simultaneously, a number of demonstrators were seen holding high the flags of South American countries, including Mexico, while chanting “F-Trump” slogans. Footage from the scene depicted a circle of dozens of individuals, many wearing masks, surrounding the burning American flag, underscoring the strong anti-government and anti-Trump sentiments present within certain segments of the protest.
Nine-month pregnant US citizen hospitalised after federal detention in Hawthorne
A distressing incident occurred in Hawthorne, Los Angeles, on June 9 involving Cary Lopez, a nine-month pregnant US citizen, who required hospitalisation immediately after her release from immigration custody. Lopez reported being detained by federal agents and described losing her balance as an agent “kind of shoving me away from the door,” causing her to lean forward and try to protect her stomach. This account, reported by NBC, highlights the concerning circumstances of her detention and subsequent medical emergency.
LAPD headquarters vandalised as rioters clash with authorities in downtown LA
Tensions flared in downtown Los Angeles on June 8, when rioters targeted the Los Angeles Police Department’s headquarters on West 1st Street, smashing its windows. As agitators clashed with authorities across the city, officials deployed tear gas to disperse the crowds. This confrontation marked a significant escalation of violence, with direct attacks on a key law enforcement facility, as captured in video footage by Yahoo News.
Downtown LA erupts: Police deploy tear gas and percussion grenades against protesters
Downtown Los Angeles on June 8 became a scene of intense confrontation as police officers resorted to deploying tear gas and percussion grenades to disperse protesters. Officers were seen enveloped in clouds of smoke while guarding a highway onramp during a protest against federal immigration sweeps. The use of these crowd control measures indicates the volatile nature of the demonstrations and the authorities’ efforts to manage the large gatherings.
Protester attacks ICE motorcade with large rocks in Paramount, Los Angeles
A concerning incident occurred in Paramount, Los Angeles, on June 8, where a protester was observed throwing large rocks at a motorcade belonging to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This attack took place amidst ongoing ICE operations that involved the arrest of several rioters in the area. The individual, who was wearing a helmet, has not yet been identified. The incident, highlighting the aggressive nature of some demonstrations, was reported by Hindustan Times and captured on video.
Dale’s Donuts permanently closes following violent protest and alleged LAPD inaction
Dale’s Donuts, an iconic and popular American-owned doughnut shop in Los Angeles known for its treats, has permanently closed its doors. The closure comes after a violent incident during an anti-ICE protest on June 8, 2025, where a group reportedly set a car on fire directly in front of the business. The owners of Dale’s Donuts have reportedly cited the damage and perceived inaction by the Los Angeles Police Department as reasons for their decision, claiming the police did nothing to prevent or address the incident, leading to the shop’s permanent cessation of operations.
Despite the Los Angeles Police Department’s statement on June 7, 2025, asserting the largely peaceful nature of protests against ICE raids, a compilation of 14 separate incidents from June 7 to June 10, 2025, reveals a clear contradiction. These numerous reports of violence – including clashes, thrown objects, injured officers, freeway blockages, vandalism, vehicle arsons, and police use of tear gas—paint a picture of significant unrest that deviates sharply from the initial official portrayal.
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