What’s Behind the Immigrant Protests in Los Angeles?

What’s Behind the Immigrant Protests in Los Angeles?

Protests Erupt in Los Angeles Over ICE Raids

Los Angeles saw large protests on June 6 and 7, 2025. Demonstrators clashed with federal agents in Paramount and Compton. The unrest followed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids targeting undocumented immigrants.

Protesters blocked streets, set fires, and threw objects at authorities. At least 121 people were arrested during the sweeps.

Why Are People Protesting?

The protests stem from aggressive ICE operations. Federal agents detained workers at businesses, including a clothing wholesaler and a Home Depot.

Many see the raids as part of President Trump’s promise to deport millions. The crackdown targets “sanctuary” cities like Los Angeles, sparking fear in immigrant communities. Protesters demand an end to what they call cruel enforcement.

What Fueled Public Anger?

The raids’ military-style tactics inflamed tensions. Federal agents used tear gas, flash-bang grenades, and less-than-lethal ammunition. Videos showed protesters kicking Border Patrol vehicles and burning cars.

Community leaders say the raids terrorize families, targeting workers like parents and day laborers. California’s large Hispanic population, especially in Paramount (over 80% Hispanic), feels under attack.

Local Leaders’ Response

Governor Gavin Newsom called the raids “purposefully inflammatory.” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass condemned the violence but urged peaceful protests.

Both criticized Trump’s tactics as fearmongering. City councilmember Eunisses Hernandez said ICE agents act swiftly to avoid community pushback. Senator Alex Padilla called the sweeps a “disturbing pattern” of cruelty.

Trump Administration’s Actions

President Trump ordered 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles on June 7. The deployment, under Title 10 authority, puts troops under federal control.

Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, vowed “zero tolerance” for violence against ICE agents. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that Marines at Camp Pendleton are on high alert. The administration blames local Democratic leaders for the unrest.

Escalation and Ongoing Tensions

Clashes continued into a second day, with tear gas and arrests reported. The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department arrested two for assaulting officers; one protester threw a Molotov cocktail. While protests in the city of Los Angeles remained peaceful, Paramount and Compton saw violence. Trump’s team vows to continue deportations, targeting 3,000 arrests daily nationwide.

The protests in Los Angeles reflect deep divisions over immigration policy. The Trump administration’s aggressive enforcement, including revoking legal status for 530,000 immigrants, has heightened fears. Protesters, many from affected communities, see the raids as an attack on their livelihoods. Local leaders argue the heavy-handed tactics erode trust.

The National Guard’s deployment marks a significant escalation, raising concerns about further confrontations. Trump’s rhetoric, calling local leaders “incompetent” and protesters “violent mobs,” shows no sign of de-escalation.

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