June 9, 2025 — Los Angeles, CA
Protests over federal immigration enforcement turned violent in downtown Los Angeles this weekend, prompting President Donald Trump to deploy the California National Guard. The unrest has led to mass arrests, freeway blockades, and public clashes with law enforcement.
National Guard Deployment and Political Fallout
On Friday, President Trump signed a memorandum ordering 2,000 National Guardsmen to California, citing the need to combat “lawlessness.” The move sparked fierce backlash from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who called it a “dangerous overreach” and accused the federal government of inflaming tensions.
“This will only escalate the situation,” Newsom warned, calling on the administration to rescind the order.
Clashes Escalate Downtown
By Sunday night, the LAPD declared all of downtown Los Angeles an unlawful assembly. Protesters had taken over key roadways, including the 101 Freeway, with confrontations growing more intense.
“Downtown Los Angeles has been declared as an UNLAWFUL ASSEMBLY. You are to leave the Downtown Area immediately,” police posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Demonstrators were seen hurling rocks, fireworks, and Molotov cocktails at police. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell called the violence “disgusting,” noting nearly 60 arrests on Sunday alone. He warned that curfews might be implemented if the chaos continues.
Freeway Blockades and Fires
Protests halted traffic on the 101 Freeway, where demonstrators damaged police vehicles and set off fireworks. Among the incidents, a Waymo self-driving vehicle was vandalized and set on fire.
Photos and videos captured dramatic scenes of smoke, burning vehicles, and confrontations with law enforcement—many occurring near the Metropolitan Detention Center.
Trump, Newsom, and Harris Weigh In
From Camp David, Trump labeled the protesters as “paid insurrectionists” and demanded apologies from Gov. Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass. Meanwhile, Bass condemned both the federal response and the violent protests, stating:
“Our city does not need to be torn apart. Deploying federal troops is a dangerous escalation.”
Former Vice President Kamala Harris also condemned Trump’s actions, calling them part of a “cruel, calculated agenda to spread panic and division.”
Security Measures Intensify
U.S. Northern Command confirmed that 500 U.S. Marines are on standby to deploy if needed. Currently, 300 members of the California National Guard are active in Los Angeles County.
The LAPD continues to urge residents, businesses, and visitors to remain alert and report suspicious activity as demonstrations remain unpredictable.