LA Erupts: Protests, Arson, and Clashes with National Guard

Los Angeles erupts in protests over immigration crackdown. A string of self-driving cars were set ablaze by demonstrators on June 8, 2025, marking a dramatic escalation of tensions in the city. The protests, fueled by the Trump administration's intensified efforts to deport undocumented immigrants, have led to violent clashes between protesters and a heavily armed police and National Guard presence. "What we're seeing in L.A. is chaos caused by the administration," stated Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass in a recent interview. The video footage shows the burning cars, the chaotic scenes, and the confrontations. Eyewitnesses report hearing shouts and seeing protesters vandalizing the vehicles before setting them on fire. The deployment of the National Guard has further inflamed the situation. The protests highlight the deep divisions within the city and the country over immigration policies. Despite the violence, Mayor Bass emphasized the importance of peaceful protest, stating, "People should exercise their right to protest, that's their First Amendment right, but people should also exercise that right peacefully."