A tense situation unfolded in Los Angeles after violent clashes erupted between protesters and federal officers over immigration raids ordered by President Donald Trump’s administration. To control the growing unrest, Trump approved the deployment of more than 2,000 National Guardsmen to the city.
Protests Turn Violent in Latino Neighborhoods
The protests began after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) carried out a series of raids targeting undocumented immigrants. Most of the clashes took place in neighborhoods with large Latino populations, especially the Paramount district. Videos on social media showed officers using tear gas and batons to break up crowds. Trump’s border adviser, Tom Homan, defended the raids during an interview with Fox News on Saturday. “We are making Los Angeles safer,” he said.
CLOSED BORDERS: Mexicans in LA are trying to get arrested to protest the deportation of Mexicans. Keep it up. pic.twitter.com/mXfoDm2Cvj
— @amuse (@amuse) June 7, 2025
Over 100 Arrested Amid ICE Operations
According to NBC News, ICE arrested at least 118 people in Los Angeles throughout the week. On Friday alone, officers detained 44 individuals. In response, California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the federal raids, calling them “cruel.” Meanwhile, the U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California confirmed that federal agents arrested more than a dozen protesters during confrontations with law enforcement.
Homan Warns of Possible Arrests of Newsom and LA Mayor
Speaking to NBC, Homan justified the National Guard deployment and warned that both Governor Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass could face legal action if they interfered. “President Trump is deploying the National Guard because they’re going to support our law enforcement efforts here that will help protect public safety,” he said Saturday night.
Shocking scenes in Los Angeles as rioters set fire to the streets; vandalize vehicles to protest against deportations of illegal aliens.
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) June 8, 2025
Newsom, however, accused the federal government of turning the situation into a “spectacle.” He argued that the raids caused panic and were meant to stir public fear and conflict. Homan dismissed Newsom’s criticism and demanded cooperation. “Help us take these criminals off the street. Stop applauding the protesters and support law enforcement,” he urged. He also added, “Gov. Newsom should be on the phone thanking President Trump for making a state safer.”
Harboring Undocumented Migrants Is a Felony, Homan Says
Homan didn’t hold back when addressing Democratic leaders. He accused both Newsom and Mayor Bass of protecting criminals by turning Los Angeles into a “sanctuary” city. “I’ll say about anybody,” Homan said. “It’s a felony to knowingly harbour and conceal. It’s a felony to impede law enforcement from doing their job.”
Take a look at the media’s new “mostly peaceful” protests in LA. pic.twitter.com/iVWp3ULmxl
— Justin T. Haskins (@JustinTHaskins) June 8, 2025
While speaking to Fox News, Homan claimed that ICE agents detained “around 150” undocumented immigrants in just the past two days, although this number was higher than what other reports had confirmed. The unrest in Los Angeles is still ongoing, and authorities have not yet said when the situation might return to normal.
