ICE Raids in Los Angeles: 45 Arrested, Protests Met with Tear Gas

Los Angeles Immigration Raids Spark Protests: 45 Arrested, Activists Dispersed with Tear Gas Los Angeles, CA – June 7, 2025 – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducted a series of raids in Los Angeles today, resulting in the arrest of 45 individuals. The raids, which took place in the downtown area and Westlake, prompted immediate protests from community activists and immigrant rights advocates. According to ICE, 44 of the arrests were administrative, while one person was arrested for obstruction of justice. The agency stated in a brief press release that "all aliens in violation of immigration law are subject to arrest and removal." However, this statement has been met with criticism for its lack of transparency. Eyewitnesses reported a tense atmosphere during the raids. One activist, who asked to remain anonymous, stated, "They were taking people without giving them a chance to talk to a lawyer. It was terrifying." Another eyewitness described the police response as heavy-handed. "They just started firing tear gas into the crowd," they recounted. "People were coughing and running, it was chaos." The raids have ignited a firestorm of controversy, with organizations such as the ACLU condemning ICE's actions. These groups accuse ICE of employing intimidating tactics and operating without adequate transparency. The incident underscores the ongoing debate surrounding immigration enforcement in the United States. The situation remains fluid. Further investigations are underway to determine the full scope of the raids and the individuals affected.