Federal Immigration Raids in Los Angeles Spark Protests and Political Tensions as Trump Deploys National Guard

In Los Angeles, federal immigration agents conducted a significant raid in MacArthur Park, a prominent area in the city, despite strong opposition from the city's Democratic mayor. The operation involved heavily armed immigration enforcement officials who marched through the park, an action that has sparked widespread outrage and criticism among local residents and city officials. The Democratic mayor of Los Angeles had vocally opposed the federal immigration actions, reflecting the city's broader stance on immigrant rights and sanctuary policies. The raid's aggressive nature and the choice of location in a public park contributed to intense public and political backlash, highlighting ongoing tensions between local authorities seeking to protect immigrant communities and federal agencies enforcing immigration laws. This event underscores the conflict between federal immigration enforcement efforts and local government policies in cities with large immigrant populations like Los Angeles. It also raises concerns about public safety, community relations, and the implications for immigrant residents who fear such raids. The exact timing of the raid was during a weekday, but no further specifics were provided. The response from the mayor's office reiterated their opposition to such federal operations within city limits, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding immigrant communities from disruptive enforcement actions. This federal operation in MacArthur Park stands as a stark example of the ongoing national debate over immigration enforcement, sanctuary cities, and the balancing act between law enforcement and community protection in urban America.

On a recent day in Los Angeles, a significant immigration enforcement operation took place near MacArthur Park in downtown Los Angeles. Federal agents, heavily armed and equipped with armored vehicles, were spotted surrounding the area as part of this large-scale operation. The operation was carried out under the supervision of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and included visible participation by the National Guard troops, who provided protection to immigration officers during this enforcement action.

During the operation, Mayor Bass made an appearance near the scene, highlighting the political and social sensitivity surrounding immigration enforcement efforts in the city. This presence drew significant public and media attention to the event. The raid focused on immigration enforcement, involving multiple federal agents converging on MacArthur Park, a well-known and busy area in Los Angeles, indicating a targeted effort to address immigration violations.

The deployment of heavily armed agents and armored vehicles underscores the extensive resources mobilized for this operation, reflecting the federal government’s intensified approach to immigration enforcement in urban areas. The involvement of the National Guard also suggests a coordinated interagency effort to ensure security and facilitate the operation's objectives.

This immigration enforcement action at MacArthur Park is significant due to its location in a central public space in Los Angeles, which has a large immigrant population. The visible law enforcement presence and Mayor Bass's attendance emphasize the complex dynamics between federal immigration policies and local governance, as well as community concerns over the impact of such operations.

While detailed outcomes of the raid, including arrests or detentions, were not specified in the provided information, the operation itself highlights ongoing federal efforts to enforce immigration laws in major metropolitan centers, potentially affecting many local residents and drawing nationwide attention.

Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) publicly criticized Vice President JD Vance for referring to him as 'Jose' during a press conference in Los Angeles on Friday, June 20, 2025. The incident occurred amid heightened tensions over federal immigration raids in the city and surrounding areas, which have sparked protests and backlash from state and local officials. Padilla, California's first Latino senator, called the misnaming 'petty and unserious' during an appearance on MSNBC's 'The Weekend' on Saturday, June 21, stating, 'He knows my name.'

Vance, who served alongside Padilla in the Senate before becoming vice president, made the remark while defending the Trump administration's military response to immigration-related protests. 'I was hoping Jose Padilla would be here to ask a question, but unfortunately, I guess he decided not to show up because there wasn't the theater, and that's all it is,' Vance said. His spokesperson, Taylor Van Kirk, later claimed the misnaming was an innocent mistake, suggesting Vance 'must have mixed up two people who have broken the law.' Padilla refuted this, asserting he had broken no laws.

The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from California Democrats, including Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. Newsom called the misnaming intentional in a post on X, while Bass highlighted racial undertones, stating, 'I guess he just looked like anybody to you, but he's not just anybody to us. He is our senator.' Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) also criticized Vance, calling the remark a 'cheap shot' to divert attention from the administration's immigration policies.

Vance's visit to Los Angeles lasted less than five hours and followed weeks of federal immigration raids. The controversy adds to ongoing debates over the Trump administration's handling of immigration enforcement, including the deployment of the National Guard and Marines in Los Angeles, which local leaders have opposed.

A recent survey conducted by The Washington Post and George Mason University's Schar School reveals that Americans are divided over President Donald Trump's decision to deploy the National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles in response to protests. The survey, which included over 1,000 respondents, including more than 200 California residents, found that opinions vary significantly based on political affiliation and geographic location. While a majority of Republicans (almost 90%) support the deployment, most Democrats and independents oppose it, with independents leaning against the action by a 15-percentage-point margin (48% to 33%). Californians, in particular, are more critical of Trump's decision, reflecting broader disapproval of his handling of immigration issues, which was once considered a strength of his presidency.

The survey also highlights that Americans are almost evenly split in their views on the protests themselves, with about 40% supporting the demonstrations against federal immigration enforcement efforts, 40% opposing them, and the remainder unsure. The more closely individuals follow the protests, the more likely they are to oppose Trump's deployment of military forces, a trend driven by Democrats and independents who are paying closer attention to the situation.

Critics of the deployment argue that it represents authoritarian overreach, with one respondent stating, 'Deploying the military to crush political protest is classic authoritarian fascism, and must be opposed.' Others express concern that the move escalates tensions in an already volatile situation, noting that neither the city nor the state requested such support. Supporters of the protests emphasize the contributions of immigrants to the community, with one respondent saying, 'Los Angeles is a county of immigrants who do a lot for our community—they are our friends.' However, some condemn the violence associated with the protests, asserting that 'arson and violence is not acceptable.'

The findings underscore the deep political and ideological divides in the U.S. over immigration and the appropriate response to civil unrest. The protests in Los Angeles have become a flashpoint in the broader national debate over immigration policy and the role of federal intervention in local affairs.

Protests in Los Angeles have intensified, leading to a standoff between demonstrators and law enforcement, as former President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of additional National Guard troops and Marines to the city. The unrest, now in its fourth day, stems from opposition to ICE raids and has been marked by clashes, vandalism, and arrests. A CNN crew covering the protests was briefly detained by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), and an Australian reporter was hit by a rubber bullet while reporting on the demonstrations. Footage showed police forming lines and advancing toward protesters, issuing ultimatums to disperse or face arrest. Buses were filled with detained protesters as police swept through downtown Los Angeles. The LAPD made mass arrests following a curfew imposed by Mayor Karen Bass, which began at 8 p.m. local time on Tuesday and covered a one-square-mile area in downtown. California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the Trump administration, accusing it of exacerbating division and deploying excessive military force. Trump, in a speech at Fort Bragg, denied allegations of paying agitators to incite violence but reiterated his intent to "liberate" Los Angeles. The protests have drawn global attention, with additional reports of international conflicts and unrelated events included in the coverage.

Protests and riots have intensified in Orange County and Santa Ana, California, following confirmed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. The unrest has led to violent standoffs between rioters and law enforcement in Santa Ana, with Fox News correspondent Ashley Strohmier providing live updates on the situation. The protests are part of a broader backlash against ICE operations in the region, with demonstrators expressing opposition to the raids and their impact on immigrant communities.

The protests began after reports of ICE raids targeting undocumented immigrants in Orange County. The raids have sparked widespread outrage, leading to large-scale demonstrations and clashes with police. In Santa Ana, rioters have engaged in confrontations with law enforcement, with live footage capturing the tense standoffs. The situation remains volatile, with authorities struggling to maintain order.

The local news outlet LAist, part of Southern California Public Radio, has highlighted the significance of these events, urging community support for independent journalism to cover such critical issues. The protests underscore the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration policies in the United States, particularly in regions with large immigrant populations like Southern California.

Protests in Los Angeles have intensified following Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and the deployment of the National Guard and Marines by the Trump administration. The unrest, which began last week, has led to widespread demonstrations, clashes with law enforcement, and significant disruptions in downtown Los Angeles. On Sunday, Australian reporter Lauren Tomasi was hit by a rubber bullet while covering the protests, highlighting the volatile situation. CNN crews were also briefly detained by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) as officers enforced dispersal orders. Mayor Karen Bass imposed a curfew from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. in downtown Los Angeles to curb vandalism and property damage. The curfew zone spans from the 5 Freeway to the 110 Freeway and from the 10 Freeway to where the 110 and 5 Freeways merge. Police have arrested hundreds of protesters, with buses filling up with detained individuals. The protests, which have spread to at least nine U.S. cities, including Austin, San Francisco, New York, and Philadelphia, are smaller in scale compared to previous days but remain tense. California Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, arguing that the deployment of the National Guard violates the 10th Amendment. Meanwhile, Democratic Rep. Nanette Barragán criticized the move as a sign of authoritarianism, emphasizing the fear and terror it has instilled in immigrant communities. The Trump administration has defended its actions, with the president claiming the National Guard restored peace, though Mayor Bass disputes this, stating the city was peaceful before the ICE raids. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing legal and political battles over federal intervention.

Protests erupted in Los Angeles over the weekend in response to federal immigration raids and the deployment of the National Guard, leading to violent clashes with law enforcement. Demonstrators blocked freeways, set cars on fire, and faced off with police near the Metropolitan Detention Center, where some immigrants detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were held. Police used tear gas, pepper spray, and rubber bullets to disperse crowds, resulting in injuries and arrests. A CNN reporter, Tomasi, was hit by a rubber bullet while covering the protests, and another CNN team was briefly detained by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).

President Trump announced the deployment of 2,000 National Guard soldiers, a move criticized by California Governor Gavin Newsom as unnecessary and inflammatory. ICE reported arresting 118 immigrants during operations in Los Angeles, sparking widespread outrage. Protests also spread to neighboring cities like Paramount and Compton, where border patrol agents were spotted near a Home Depot, leading to further demonstrations. In Paramount, Assemblymember José Luis Solache Jr. documented the presence of federal agents, fueling community resistance.

By Sunday evening, the LAPD had arrested 10 people, while the California Highway Patrol arrested 17 others on the 101 Freeway. Police authorized the use of "less lethal munitions," and several cars were burned during the clashes. The protests highlighted tensions over immigration policies and law enforcement tactics, with Mayor Karen Bass describing the situation as a "tinderbox." The events underscored the ongoing debate over federal immigration enforcement and its impact on local communities.

Over the weekend, downtown Los Angeles became the epicenter of violent clashes between law enforcement and protesters following immigration raids conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The raids, which occurred on Friday, targeted locations such as Ambiance Apparel in the garment district, where employees were detained. This sparked widespread protests that escalated into confrontations with police and federal officers. By Sunday, the Trump administration deployed California National Guard troops to the area, though they were not visibly present by evening.

The protests turned violent, with demonstrators throwing rocks at law enforcement vehicles on Alondra Boulevard around 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, injuring a federal officer and damaging government vehicles. The FBI has offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspect. Akil Davis, assistant director of the FBI's Los Angeles field office, warned that anyone obstructing law enforcement would face federal prosecution.

By 8 p.m. on Sunday, 27 protesters had been arrested. Seventeen were detained by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) while clearing the 101 Freeway, and the remaining 10 were arrested by LAPD for offenses including throwing a Molotov cocktail at an officer and driving a motorcycle into a police line. Despite an unlawful assembly declaration by law enforcement, hundreds of protesters continued to gather around City Hall.

The 101 Freeway became a focal point of the unrest, with protesters hurling rocks and insults from overpasses and briefly blocking traffic in both directions. The CHP managed to reopen northbound lanes, but southbound lanes remained closed due to ongoing disruptions. Helicopters from the LAPD, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, and CHP monitored the protests, which spread to neighborhoods like Chinatown, Little Tokyo, Compton, and the Fashion District.

Additional tensions arose when two Waymo taxis were set on fire near the Metropolitan Detention Center. The protests, now in their third day, have seen the use of tear gas, pepper spray, and plastic bullets by law enforcement. Approximately 500 active-duty Marines from Twentynine Palms are on standby for potential deployment as the unrest persists. The situation remains volatile, with no immediate resolution in sight.

Protests erupted in Los Angeles over the weekend following rumors of immigration raids targeting day laborers at a Home Depot store in Paramount, a predominantly Hispanic suburb. The unrest escalated into violent clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement, with reports of rocks and Molotov cocktails being thrown. Authorities responded with pepper spray, rubber bullets, and smoke bombs to disperse the crowds. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) declared the entire downtown area an unlawful assembly zone on Sunday night, expanding an earlier order that had targeted protests outside the Metropolitan Detention Center. Ten protesters were arrested during the clashes, and police used tear gas and flash bangs to control the situation. Meanwhile, approximately 500 active-duty Marines from Twentynine Palms, California, were placed on a "ready to deploy" status by US Northern Command, as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had warned of potential deployment. The protests also disrupted traffic, with the US 101 Freeway closed for about 90 minutes after demonstrators occupied it, and later shut again due to objects being thrown at police vehicles. Helicopters from the LAPD, Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department, and the California Highway Patrol monitored the protests, circling neighborhoods like Chinatown, Little Tokyo, Compton, the Fashion District, and South Park. The demonstrations were fueled by fears of immigration crackdowns under President Donald Trump, though the initial reports of raids were later deemed misinformation.

President Donald Trump has ordered the deployment of 2,000 National Guard members to Los Angeles in response to escalating protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. The decision, announced by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Saturday, follows clashes between demonstrators and authorities. Leavitt criticized California's Democratic leaders for failing to address the unrest, stating, 'In the wake of this violence, California’s feckless Democrat leaders have completely abdicated their responsibility to protect their citizens.' Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the immediate mobilization of the National Guard and warned that active-duty Marines from Camp Pendleton could also be deployed if violence persists. The protests began in Paramount after reports of an immigration raid, though Mayor Peggy Lemons clarified that agents were staging, not conducting a raid. California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass condemned the federal intervention, calling it 'purposefully inflammatory' and unnecessary, as local authorities claimed they had the situation under control. Meanwhile, ICE’s acting director, Tom Homan, warned that anyone obstructing immigration enforcement, including officials like Newsom and Bass, could face arrest. The protests have led to 203 arrests, including 11 for failure to disperse and 17 for curfew violations. A curfew was extended in downtown Los Angeles from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. due to heightened tensions. Two men were charged with possessing Molotov cocktails during the protests, facing up to 10 years in prison. The unrest has also disrupted traffic, with the US 101 Freeway temporarily closed after protesters threw objects at police vehicles.

President Donald Trump has authorized the deployment of 2,000 National Guard members to Los Angeles in response to ongoing protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. The decision, announced by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, comes after clashes between demonstrators and authorities. Leavitt criticized California's Democratic leaders for failing to address the unrest, stating, 'In the wake of this violence, California’s feckless Democrat leaders have completely abdicated their responsibility to protect their citizens.' Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the immediate mobilization of the National Guard to support federal law enforcement in Los Angeles, with active-duty Marines at Camp Pendleton on standby if violence escalates.

California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the federal government's move as 'purposefully inflammatory,' asserting that local authorities are capable of handling the situation without federal intervention. Newsom emphasized, 'LA authorities are able to access law enforcement assistance at a moment’s notice. We are in close coordination with the city and county, and there is currently no unmet need.'

The protests, centered in Paramount, were sparked by reports of an immigration raid, though Paramount Mayor Peggy Lemons clarified that agents were staging rather than conducting a raid. The demonstrations followed earlier ICE operations in Los Angeles, including raids in the fashion district, which resulted in hundreds of detentions, including children, according to the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California.

Trump, in a social media post, warned that if California lawmakers fail to address the situation, the federal government would 'step in and solve the problem.' The deployment marks a significant escalation in the federal response to the protests, raising concerns about further tensions between state and federal authorities.