Los Angeles Erupts in Chaos Over Immigration Raids; National Guard Deployed

Los Angeles, June 9, 2025: The city of Los Angeles continues to reel under intense civil unrest following a series of immigration raids and the unprecedented deployment of National Guard troops by the federal government—without the consent of California’s state leadership.

What Triggered the Riots?

The violence erupted on June 6 after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) carried out large-scale operations in Los Angeles, including at the Fashion District and major retail hubs, detaining at least 44 undocumented immigrants. These raids triggered massive protests across Boyle Heights, Downtown LA, and surrounding neighborhoods.

Streets Turn Into Battlegrounds

Over the weekend, peaceful demonstrations escalated into full-blown riots. Protesters clashed with law enforcement near the Metropolitan Detention Center. Security forces responded with tear gas, flash-bangs, and rubber bullets, leading to dozens of arrests and several injuries.

Police declared parts of the city an “unlawful assembly zone,” including key arteries such as the 101 Freeway, which was blocked by demonstrators demanding a halt to deportations.

Federal Troops Enter Without State Consent

In a move condemned by California officials, President Donald Trump authorized the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles, bypassing Governor Gavin Newsom’s authority. Marines at Camp Pendleton were also placed on alert, raising fears of further military escalation.

This marks the first deployment of federal troops without state consent since the civil rights era.

Leaders Respond to Crisis

California Governor Gavin Newsom labeled the federal deployment “unlawful and inflammatory,” vowing to pursue legal action against the White House. LA Mayor Karen Bass urged calm, warning that military involvement could escalate tensions rather than restore peace.

Meanwhile, President Trump described the unrest as a “violent insurrection,” defending his administration’s actions as necessary to protect national security.

Journalist Injured, Press Suppression Concerns Raised

Australian reporter Lauren Tomasi of 9News was hit by a rubber bullet while covering the protests live. The incident has drawn sharp criticism from international media watchdogs and has intensified scrutiny over the treatment of journalists during the unrest.

FBI Warns of Escalation

FBI Director Kash Patel claimed the situation in Los Angeles is “spiraling into anarchy,” hinting at expanded federal law enforcement involvement. The Department of Homeland Security noted a 400% increase in assaults on federal officers.

Economic & Social Fallout

Business districts in LA have suffered significant damage. Shops in Downtown LA were vandalized, and public infrastructure was torched. Social media platforms have been flooded with videos showing unrest, heightening fears of similar protests spreading to other cities.

As the standoff between state and federal authorities intensifies, civil rights groups have filed emergency petitions to challenge the legality of troop deployments. Protests are expected to continue through the week, with fresh marches being planned for South LA and Santa Monica.

The nation watches closely as Los Angeles becomes the epicenter of a fierce battle over immigration, civil liberties, and constitutional authority.

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