Protests that started in Los Angeles spread to several cities, with large-scale arrests and looting causing chaos.
Nationwide protests have been taking place in the US for the past week after federal immigration raids in Los Angeles led to mass arrests,
The immigration raids and arrests have sparked outrage over what many have described as military law enforcement and a violation of civil rights.
President Donald Trump has deployed thousands of troops to the affected areas to control the situation. He described the move as necessary to restore order, while hinting at invoking the Insurrection Act to control the situation.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass declared a state of emergency and imposed a curfew, criticizing the limited role of the military.
California Governor Gavin Newsom challenged the military deployment in court, escalating tensions with the White House. According to unclear reports, the protests have spread to more than a dozen cities.
In addition to looting, clashes between protesters and police, and mass arrests, political opposition to the Trump administration’s decision continues.
Here are 10 major developments regarding the Los Angeles protests, based on recent reports:
● Mass Arrests: On June 10, 2025, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) arrested 197 individuals, including 67 for blocking the 101 freeway, during protests sparked by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. Charges ranged from assault to looting and arson.
● Injuries to Officers: Seven police officers were injured amid clashes with protesters, who reportedly threw objects like concrete chunks and fireworks at law enforcement.
● ICE Raids Trigger Protests: Protests erupted on June 6, 2025, following ICE operations targeting undocumented migrants, with 44 arrested at a worksite and 77 others in the greater Los Angeles area. These raids are part of President Trump’s mass deportation campaign, with ICE averaging 1,600 arrests daily.
● Trump Deploys Troops: President Trump deployed over 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles to protect federal buildings and ICE agents, citing a “deteriorating situation.” He claimed the city would have “burned to the ground” without intervention.
● Newsom’s Lawsuit: California Governor Gavin Newsom filed an emergency lawsuit on June 9, 2025, against the Trump administration, arguing that federalizing the California National Guard without his consent violates state sovereignty and the U.S. Constitution. A federal judge denied the motion on June 11, 2025.
● Trump Considers Insurrection Act: Trump has hinted at invoking the Insurrection Act of 1807, which would allow federal troops to engage in domestic law enforcement, but has not yet done so. He stated, “If there’s an insurrection, I would certainly invoke it,” in response to ongoing unrest.
● Curfew Imposed: Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass declared a curfew in downtown Los Angeles on June 10, 2025, covering about one square mile, following violent clashes. Police enforced it swiftly, making arrests moments after it took effect.
● Legal and Political Tensions: Newsom accused Trump of a “power grab” and “assault on democracy,” while Trump called protesters “insurrectionists” and suggested arresting Newsom for obstructing ICE operations. Newsom’s lawsuit also cites violations of the 10th Amendment and Posse Comitatus Act.
● Protest Spread and Violence: While largely peaceful, protests saw violent incidents, including vandalism, burning of Waymo vehicles, and attacks on police. Over 330 arrests were reported in Los Angeles since June 6, with protests spreading to cities like New York, San Francisco, and Austin.
● Public and Official Reactions: A CBS News/YouGov poll from early June 2025 showed 54% approval for Trump’s deportation policy. However, local leaders, including Bass and 30 LA-area mayors, condemned ICE raids as fear-inducing. The ACLU plans to sue the Trump administration, calling the troop deployment an “abuse of power.”