Los Angeles, CA – Protests erupted in Los Angeles after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids led to over 40 arrests of undocumented immigrants. While initially peaceful, the protests have turned violent, prompting a strong federal and local response.
Current Situation:
- Over 100 people were arrested on Monday night in downtown LA.
- Protesters clashed with police, who responded with tear gas and non-lethal rounds.
- The unrest is mainly limited to a small area downtown; most of the city remains calm.
Federal Involvement:
- President Trump deployed the National Guard and ordered 700 Marines to assist with riot control.
- Governor Gavin Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass condemned the move, calling it unlawful and politically motivated.
- California has sued the federal government over the deployment.
Civil Rights and Public Reaction:
- Civil rights groups, including the NAACP and the National Urban League, criticized the military presence as excessive and discriminatory.
- Journalists were injured by rubber bullets, raising press freedom concerns.
- CNN’s Jason Carroll was briefly detained by LAPD on live television.
Local Concerns:
- Mayor Bass blamed “fringe groups” for the violence and warned of increased chaos due to federal involvement.
- Day laborers and immigrant communities are fearful and bracing for more ICE raids.
- Some protestors targeted Waymo’s self-driving cars, leading the company to suspend service in the area.
Political Fallout:
- Newsom accused Trump of using the military for political theater ahead of his birthday and an Army celebration.
- He warned that checks and balances are “crumbling” and called for court and congressional intervention.