Protests in Los Angeles intensified over the weekend after federal immigration operations led to mass arrests and sparked widespread unrest, including vandalism, looting, and violent clashes with law enforcement. The demonstrations began Friday and have continued into the week, raising concerns over public safety and the growing tension between federal and state authorities.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed multiple operations across the city, resulting in the detention of 121 individuals, including 44 arrested at a single job site. The enforcement actions quickly triggered demonstrations in the Westlake District, downtown, and South L.A., with hundreds of protesters gathering in response.
On Sunday, protests escalated in downtown Los Angeles, where police reported incidents of arson, property destruction, and assaults on officers. Authorities arrested 42 individuals on charges ranging from looting to attempted murder. The unrest led to significant damage to businesses along Broadway, including athletic apparel stores and a T-Mobile location, and the torching of five Waymo self-driving vehicles near Union Station.
Videos circulating on social media showed large groups forcibly entering storefronts. One live stream captured looters raiding a Jordan sneaker store, while other footage showed a convenience store being ransacked. Law enforcement responded with tear gas and rubber bullets during hours-long standoffs.
The Los Angeles Police Department went on tactical alert late Sunday. Fires were set in dumpsters, and several government buildings, including LAPD headquarters and the U.S. Courthouse, were defaced with graffiti. The 101 Freeway was closed twice after demonstrators threw debris and firecrackers at California Highway Patrol officers.
Tensions deepened as President Donald Trump announced the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to the city without the consent of California Governor Gavin Newsom. In response, Newsom posted on social media, “This is a serious breach of state sovereignty—inflaming tensions while pulling resources from where they’re actually needed. Rescind the order. Return control to California.”
Protests continued Monday at Grand Park, where civil rights and labor leaders demanded the release of union leader David Huerta, who had been arrested during Friday’s raids and was later released on bond. Law enforcement prepared for additional demonstrations, as 700 Marines were deployed overnight, and another 2,000 National Guard troops were expected.
