Hundreds of protesters clashed with law enforcement in downtown Los Angeles over the weekend in response to federal immigration sweeps launched by the Trump administration. The raids, which began Friday, have sparked widespread anger and resistance from immigrant rights groups and local residents who had anticipated such actions for months.
Tensions escalated as state and local officials pushed back against the federal deployment of National Guard troops, which the White House justified by citing “violent mobs” attacking ICE officers and federal agents conducting deportation operations. California Governor Gavin Newsom formally requested Sunday that President Trump rescind the National Guard deployment, calling it “a serious breach of state sovereignty” and accusing the federal government of inflaming tensions unnecessarily.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass supported Newsom’s request, emphasizing efforts to prevent civil unrest. “The last thing this city needs is civil unrest that is provoked,” Bass said at a press conference, noting she had urged the administration not to send troops.
Despite local opposition, by Sunday morning hundreds of National Guard members were stationed downtown, where two protests—one authorized and one unauthorized—converged near the federal detention center. The demonstrations grew rowdy and tense, marked by flash bangs and tear gas. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) declared the assembly unlawful by mid-afternoon and authorized the use of less-lethal munitions. Some protesters briefly halted traffic by walking onto the 101 Freeway, leading to further arrests.
By Sunday evening, police reported at least 27 arrests across downtown and the freeway protests, with three officers sustaining minor injuries. Authorities vowed to review video evidence to hold others accountable for acts of violence during the demonstrations.
Community Voices and Clashes
Outside City Hall, protester Eli Lockwood voiced solidarity with immigrant communities facing raids. “An attack on one of us is an attack on all of us,” she said. At the Metropolitan Detention Center, National Guard troops confronted protesters amid calls for justice and an end to deportations.
Several incidents of violence were reported, including vandalism and arson targeting Waymo self-driving cars near Olvera Street. However, many protesters maintained that their demonstrations were peaceful, focused on standing up for their rights and freedoms.
Local officials presented contrasting views on the unrest compared to the federal narrative. While some conservative media framed the protests as “riots,” authorities described isolated skirmishes and urged calm. U.S. Representative Nanette Barragán, representing the nearby city of Paramount where some violence occurred, confirmed that local law enforcement had the situation under control without needing additional federal support.
Political Backlash and Federal Response
Governor Newsom condemned the federal intervention as inflammatory, while President Trump defended the deployment on social media, mocking state leaders and pledging to “solve” what he termed “riots & looters.” The Trump administration justified its actions by citing threats to ICE officers during deportation operations.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department clarified that while it supported federal agents facing violence, it was not assisting with immigration enforcement itself. Sheriff Robert Luna stressed the department’s commitment to protecting peaceful protest rights while condemning violence and property destruction.
Arrests and Community Impact
Initial ICE reports indicated 44 arrests in the raids, though some estimates placed the number above 120. Among those detained was David Huerta, president of the Service Employees International Union California chapter, who was reportedly injured while in custody. Immigrant rights organizations condemned the raids, calling them unjust and a source of fear and trauma within the community.
City leaders, including Mayor Bass and the entire Los Angeles City Council, strongly condemned the federal actions. They reaffirmed the city’s commitment to supporting immigrants and standing against tactics designed to sow fear and division.
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell reiterated that the department would not participate in mass deportations or immigration enforcement, maintaining its focus on public safety.
Background and Broader Context
The federal immigration sweeps come amid heightened tensions nationwide following President Trump’s campaign promises of “mass deportations.” Southern California immigrant communities and advocacy groups have prepared extensively for such operations, offering legal support and “Know Your Rights” information to residents.
Data shows that ICE detentions and removals in the Los Angeles area have surged in recent years, with a marked increase in arrests of individuals without criminal convictions since 2023. This enforcement intensification has fueled anxiety and protests across immigrant communities.
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