Los Angeles saw a second day of unrest after immigration (ICE) raids by federal agents sparked outrage. On Saturday, former US President Donald Trump ordered 2,000 National Guard troops to support agents already struggling to control protests.
The situation escalated following a Friday sweep where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained 44 people across the city. That evening, large groups gathered in the streets, leading to tense face-offs with law enforcement.
Protesters clashed with police on Friday evening outside a federal detention center in Los Angeles, after immigration authorities arrested 44 people. Demonstrators chanted “Set them free, let them stay!” and held up signs that said “ICE out of #LA!”#ICE #Immigration #Immigrants pic.twitter.com/8lk01guWpI
— Our World (@MeetOurWorld) June 7, 2025
Tear Gas, Clashes And Online Attack By Donald Trump
Paramount (southeast of LA) became a hotspot. Federal agents in riot gear fired tear gas and flashbangs at protesters, who held signs, waved flags, and livestreamed the confrontation. Some chanted “ICE out of Paramount,” while others formed barricades.
Trump quickly jumped in online. On Truth Social, he wrote, “If Governor Gavin Newscum, of California, and Mayor Karen Bass, of Los Angeles, can’t do their jobs, which everyone knows they can’t, then the Federal Government will step in and solve the problem, RIOTS & LOOTERS, the way it should be solved!!!”
Governor Gavin Newsom hit back, calling the troop deployment “purposefully inflammatory.” Mayor Karen Bass also slammed ICE’s actions and said, “These tactics sow terror in our communities and disrupt basic principles of safety in our city.”
DHS officials defended their stance. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin claimed local leaders were encouraging anti-ICE sentiment and compared their statements to “glorifying rioters.”
ICE Crackdown Triggers ‘Mass Mobilisation’
The chaos is part of a wider Trump-era crackdown on undocumented migrants. Stephen Miller, Trump’s former deputy chief of staff, confirmed the goal was to “deport record numbers,” aiming for at least 3,000 arrests a day.
NEW: Rioters in Los Angeles are now looting stores while Democrat leaders try to downplay the riots.
CA Governor Gavin Newsom is now blasting the Trump admin for trying to help federal agents while he does nothing.
LA Mayor Karen Bass on the other hand is staying quiet as… pic.twitter.com/2ZSpxWug6q
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) June 8, 2025
Friday’s raids sparked immediate outrage. Around 1,000 protesters later surrounded a federal building, with reports of damaged property and officers being targeted. The FBI is reviewing the events to determine if crimes were committed.
By Saturday night, videos of looting spread on social media. Protesters are now calling for a “mass mobilisation” to oppose the government’s actions.
