Los Angeles Immigration Protests LIVE Updates: 10 arrested, tear gas and rubber bullets fired as unrest in LA downtown brings US to a halt
Los Angeles — What started as a peaceful demonstration turned violent as immigration protests swept through downtown Los Angeles. Protesters flooded the streets to oppose recent ICE raids, but by nightfall, police fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds. The situation escalated quickly, leaving many injured and dozens under arrest.
Protests Spark Over Immigration Raids
The unrest began after federal agents launched a series of immigration raids across Southern California. Protesters gathered near City Hall and the Metropolitan Detention Center, voicing outrage over the raids. Chants like “No Human Is Illegal” and “Abolish ICE” echoed through the streets. Tensions rose when demonstrators blocked the 101 Freeway, prompting a sharp response from law enforcement.
Chaos in Downtown L.A.
As night fell, the protest shifted dramatically. Some demonstrators threw rocks, fireworks, and even Molotov cocktails. Police responded with force, using rubber bullets, tear gas, and flash-bang grenades. Several Waymo self-driving taxis caught fire. Law enforcement pushed crowds back using batons and shields.
Police arrested 10 protesters on Sunday alone. Another 17 people were detained by the California Highway Patrol after refusing to leave the freeway. Authorities described a small group of protesters as “organized and ready for conflict.”
National Guard Deployment Adds Fuel
The federal government sent hundreds of National Guard troops into the city. Armed soldiers stood guard near freeways, federal buildings, and protest hotspots. California’s Governor Gavin Newsom called the deployment illegal and “a violation of state rights.” Mayor Karen Bass also condemned the move, urging federal agents to leave and calling for peace.
Bass said, “We support peaceful protest. But our streets should not feel like a war zone.”
Legal Action and Civil Rights Response
Civil rights groups, including the ACLU and United We Dream, filed lawsuits against the federal government. They claim the military presence violates the Constitution and that ICE acted with excessive force during the raids.
Videos circulating online show officers firing rubber bullets into crowds and detaining people without clear warning. Critics say these actions mirror the violence seen during the 2020 George Floyd protests.
Journalists Injured During Coverage
The violence didn’t spare members of the media. Lauren Tomasi, an Australian reporter, suffered an injury after a rubber bullet struck her leg while she covered the protest. She shouted, “Press!” but officers fired anyway.
The Australian government has since demanded an explanation. Press freedom groups say law enforcement must face consequences for targeting journalists.
Protests Spread Statewide
The movement has spread beyond Los Angeles. In San Francisco, police arrested over 60 demonstrators during solidarity rallies. Protests also erupted in San Diego, Bakersfield, Fresno, and other California cities. Many joined the movement to show support for immigrant families under threat of deportation.
Maria Vasquez, a protest leader, spoke from the frontlines: “This isn’t just about immigration. It’s about basic human dignity and our right to live without fear.”
City Paralyzed as Tensions Grow
By Monday morning, downtown Los Angeles remained under tight control. Police blocked major streets. Transit lines stayed closed. Officials urged residents to avoid the area.
The National Guard continues to patrol parts of the city. Protesters say they plan to return, regardless of the risks. Community groups are organizing food drives, legal aid, and medical assistance for those injured or arrested.
What Lies Ahead?
The White House defended its actions, calling the crackdown “necessary to ensure order.” But California leaders remain firm in their opposition. Governor Newsom promised legal pushback, and Mayor Bass continues to speak out against federal interference.
As tension lingers, many fear more violence in the days ahead. The protests have struck a chord not just in Los Angeles but across the nation. People are watching, waiting, and organizing.
Los Angeles now finds itself at the heart of a growing national movement. The fight for immigrant rights has taken to the streets. And the city, bruised but unbroken, stands in defiance.
