The Los Angeles Riots of 2025
As of June 9, 2025, Los Angeles is grappling with a series of violent protests and clashes that have been dubbed the "LA Riots." Sparked by federal immigration raids, the unrest has drawn a sharp response from both state and federal authorities, resulting in a tense standoff that has spread beyond Los Angeles to other parts of California.
Cause of the Riots
The unrest began in early June 2025, triggered by a wave of immigration raids conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) across Los Angeles and its surrounding areas. These raids, part of President Donald Trump's intensified immigration enforcement policy, led to the arrest of 118 undocumented immigrants in Los Angeles alone. Targeting workplaces such as restaurants, retail shops, and warehouses, the operations align with the administration's goal of achieving at least 3,000 deportations daily nationwide.
Protests erupted almost immediately, particularly in neighborhoods with significant Latino populations. Demonstrators gathered outside federal facilities, including the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles, where many detained immigrants were held. Tensions escalated on June 6, 2025, when protesters clashed with law enforcement, including ICE agents and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). Actions such as blocking streets, setting fires, and throwing objects at officers prompted authorities to declare unlawful assemblies and deploy crowd control measures like tear gas.
The situation worsened over the following days, with protests spreading to nearby cities like Paramount and Compton, where additional raids occurred. On June 7, demonstrators blocked major freeways and set autonomous vehicles ablaze, further intensifying the unrest. A notable flashpoint was the arrest of David Huerta, California president of the Service Employees International Union, for allegedly blocking a vehicle during a raid protest. His detention rallied labor unions and immigrant rights groups, amplifying the demonstrations.
What’s Being Done
To address the escalating violence, a multi-tiered law enforcement response has been deployed. Locally, the LAPD and California Highway Patrol (CHP) have worked to manage the protests, using tear gas, flash-bang grenades, and pepper spray to disperse crowds, especially where demonstrations have disrupted critical infrastructure like the 101 Freeway. Federally, ICE and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents have continued their operations amid the unrest, with additional support arriving on June 8, 2025.
That day, President Trump ordered 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles, a decision made without California Governor Gavin Newsom’s approval. The Guard’s mission is to protect federal agents and facilities, not to conduct immigration raids or routine policing. This rare federalization of a state’s National Guard has heightened political tensions. Additionally, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has placed active-duty Marines from Camp Pendleton on high alert, signaling potential further escalation if violence persists. Federal authorities have vowed to maintain immigration enforcement efforts despite the protests.
California’s Stance
Governor Gavin Newsom has sharply criticized the federal response, particularly the National Guard deployment, which he labeled "purposefully inflammatory" and a "serious breach of state sovereignty." He has demanded its withdrawal, arguing that it exacerbates rather than resolves the unrest, and has threatened legal action against the Trump administration, calling the move unconstitutional without state consent. Newsom contends that local law enforcement was sufficient to handle the situation without federal overreach.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has similarly condemned both the immigration raids and the federal troop presence, urging protesters to remain peaceful to avoid fueling the administration’s narrative. Both leaders have framed the federal actions as divisive, accusing the Trump administration of targeting immigrant communities to provoke unrest. California’s position reflects a broader resistance to federal immigration policies, emphasizing state autonomy and community protection.
The Federal Government’s Stance
President Trump has characterized the protests as a "riot," justifying the National Guard deployment as necessary to restore "law and order." He has warned of expanding troop deployments to other cities if similar unrest emerges, positioning the federal response as a firm stand against chaos. Trump has also criticized California officials, including Newsom and Bass, for failing to control the situation, accusing them of weakness in the face of disorder.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has reinforced this stance, noting that active-duty Marines are prepared for deployment if needed. Federal officials, including DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, have defended the immigration raids, asserting they target "heinous illegal alien criminals" with histories of gang involvement, drug trafficking, and sexual offenses. The administration remains steadfast in its commitment to immigration enforcement, viewing the protests as an impediment to lawful operations.
Who’s Been Arrested or Detained, and Why
The riots have led to significant arrests and detentions, falling into two main categories: protesters and immigrants targeted by ICE.
Protester Arrests:
Los Angeles: 29 individuals were arrested on June 7, followed by 27 more on June 8. Charges range from assaulting police officers and throwing objects at law enforcement to blocking streets. Some face graver accusations, such as throwing a Molotov cocktail or driving a motorcycle into a police line.
San Francisco: On June 8, 60 people were arrested during solidarity protests, with at least three officers injured in the clashes.
Notable Case: David Huerta was arrested for allegedly blocking a vehicle during a raid protest, charged with felony conspiracy to impede an officer, and later released on bond.
Immigrant Detentions:
ICE has detained 118 undocumented immigrants in Los Angeles as part of the raids. Federal authorities claim many have criminal backgrounds, including gang affiliations and serious offenses, though immigrant rights groups argue that numerous detainees are long-term residents without records.
Protesters have been arrested primarily for violating unlawful assembly orders, attacking law enforcement, or damaging property. Federal officials have emphasized prosecuting those who obstruct immigration operations, while ICE continues targeting individuals based on immigration status and alleged criminality.
As of June 9, 2025, the LA Riots remain a volatile flashpoint, driven by federal immigration raids and fueled by starkly opposing state and federal responses. California’s resistance to the National Guard deployment and the Trump administration’s insistence on enforcing immigration laws have deepened the divide, leaving the situation unresolved. With dozens arrested, both among protesters and immigrants, and the potential for further military involvement looming, the riots underscore broader tensions over immigration, state sovereignty, and federal authority. The impact on Los Angeles and beyond continues to unfold as both sides dig in.