Los Angeles: Immigration Protests, National Guard Deployment, and Legal Showdown Unfold

Los Angeles

Fresh protests have broken out again in Los Angeles as people continue to oppose immigration crackdowns led by federal agents. This marks the third day of intense confrontations between demonstrators and police, leading to severe traffic disruptions and the shutdown of the 101 Southbound Freeway. Protesters torched two Waymo self-driving vehicles, and according to the LAPD Chief, 10 individuals were taken into custody during the clashes downtown.

Trump vs Newsom

President Donald Trump has sent 300 National Guard troops to the streets of Los Angeles to help enforce control and protect federal staff and assets. This move is unprecedented, as it’s the first time a president has deployed federal forces without approval from a state governor. Governor Gavin Newsom announced that California plans to sue the Trump administration over what he labeled an “incendiary” decision.

Why are people protesting?

Tensions between ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) officers and protesters have remained high for three consecutive days following the detention of dozens of individuals by immigration officials. Intelligence sources suggest multiple causes behind the protests, including anger over immigration arrests, the presence of National Guard troops, and possibly the involvement of organized agitators described as “professional rioters.”

Los Angeles Immigration Protests LIVE Updates: Australian reporter gets hit by rubber bullet

Lauren Tomasi, reporting for Nine News Australia, was struck by a rubber bullet while covering the protest in Los Angeles, according to CNN.

1. Los Angeles Immigration Protests LIVE Updates: Unrest in San Francisco, around 60 arrested

San Francisco police arrested approximately 60 demonstrators after protests there turned violent, injuring three officers. Authorities said people began committing acts of vandalism and property destruction.

According to the BBC, two officers sustained minor injuries, while one was hospitalized.

Mayor Daniel Lurie stated that peaceful protests are welcome, but violence will not be tolerated.

2. Los Angeles Immigration Protests LIVE Updates: Controversy over Title 10 of US Code

The standoff between Governor Newsom and President Trump escalated after Trump issued a directive deploying 2,000 National Guard troops under Title 10 of the U.S. Code, which allows federal military forces to act under presidential authority.
This was done without state approval, despite Title 10 mentioning that such orders should come through the state governors.
Calling the order “provocative,” Newsom said California will challenge it legally.
Title 10 permits deployment if there is a rebellion or serious threat to U.S. authority.

3. Los Angeles Immigration Protests In Pictures

Over the weekend, thousands of protesters marched through Los Angeles in opposition to the federal government’s immigration clampdown and the deployment of troops that bypassed California’s consent.

4. Los Angeles Immigration Protests LIVE Updates: 60 arrested in San Francisco

CNN reports that at least 60 individuals, including minors, were arrested outside a San Francisco immigration office after protests escalated.
Activists gathered to oppose ICE operations and deportations across the U.S.
One protester, Nancy Kato, told KGO,

“What’s happening in LA pushed us to act. Targeting undocumented people—some of the most vulnerable—feels so wrong.”

5. Los Angeles Immigration Protests LIVE Updates: A look at the key developments

  1. On day three of the protests, thousands flooded LA’s streets in response to the federal crackdown and troop presence.
  2. Around 300 federal troops were deployed—marking a rare move that bypassed the state government.
  3. Protesters, waving Mexican flags and holding signs against ICE, gathered at different city locations.
  4. Violence near the Metropolitan Detention Center led to the blocking of the 101 Freeway, and Waymo cars were set ablaze. Police were met with objects thrown at them, while law enforcement responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and flash bangs.
  5. 27 arrests were made for actions including throwing Molotov cocktails and crashing a motorcycle into a police line.

6. Los Angeles Immigration Protests LIVE Updates: Governor Newsom dares federal officials amid arrest threat

Governor Gavin Newsom responded to a federal threat of arrest over his criticism of the raids by defiantly saying:

“If Trump’s border chief wants to arrest me for speaking out, let him try. I won’t stop defending California.”
According to the BBC, Trump’s border czar Tom Homan confirmed the raids would go on, regardless of the protests.

7. Los Angeles Immigration Protests LIVE Updates: 300 National Guards deployed, 500 Marines on standby

President Trump has placed 300 National Guard members at three strategic LA locations to control unrest. Meanwhile, 500 U.S. Marines remain ready for deployment from a base roughly 230 km outside the city.

8. Los Angeles Immigration Protests LIVE Updates: Downtown LA declared unlawful assembly

LAPD has declared all of downtown Los Angeles an “unlawful assembly” zone and ordered protestors to leave immediately

On X (formerly Twitter), LAPD posted:

“Officers are moving to various protest areas to clear crowds. The Civic Center zone is now under ‘unlawful assembly.’”

9. Los Angeles Immigration Protests LIVE Updates: Reports of looting in central LA

Los Angeles
Yandex

LAPD reports multiple cases of looting on 6th Street and Broadway. Local business owners say stores have been broken into. Police are currently investigating the scene, LAPD Central Division posted on X.

10. Los Angeles Immigration Protests LIVE Updates: LAPD confirms 10 more arrests in downtown

LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell confirmed at least 10 arrests due to violent altercations during downtown protests.

“Our goal is public safety, not political messaging,” he said.

President Trump later posted on Truth Social, urging McDonnell to “bring in the troops immediately,” saying the situation is worsening and the protesters shouldn’t be allowed to “get away with this.”

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