LA Immigration Raids: Protests Erupt, National Guard Deployed

Los Angeles Immigration Raids Spark Protests and Debate Los Angeles, CA – Tensions flared in Los Angeles on June 7, 2025, as protests erupted during Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids targeting undocumented immigrants. The raids, which resulted in over 100 arrests, sparked outrage among immigrant rights activists and drew criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who condemned the actions as "cruel." Videos circulating online show intense confrontations between protesters and ICE agents, with some protesters throwing objects and engaging in physical altercations. The situation escalated further when the National Guard was deployed to quell the unrest, a move that has raised questions about the appropriate use of federal force in local law enforcement matters. "It's unacceptable that the federal government would deploy the National Guard without consulting state officials," said one protest organizer. ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons defended the actions, stating that ICE "will continue to enforce our nation's immigration laws and arrest criminal illegal aliens." The events also prompted a response from Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who described the protests as an attempt to "sow terror" in the nation's second-largest city. The clashes highlight the ongoing debate surrounding immigration policies in the United States and the challenges faced by law enforcement in managing protests and maintaining order during sensitive operations. The deployment of the National Guard underscores the gravity of the situation and raises questions about the balance between enforcing immigration laws and protecting civil liberties.