You better believe it’s not simply peaceful protests!
The protests in Los Angeles, which began on June 6, 2025, were sparked by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids targeting workplaces and day laborers. These operations led to the arrest of over 100 individuals suspected of immigration violations. In response, demonstrators took to the streets, expressing outrage over the federal actions. While many protests remained peaceful, there were instances of violence, including clashes between protesters and law enforcement, vandalism, and looting. The video you see here was taken by a subscriber named Kevin. Just after these videos were taken Kevin was followed home, 2 guys are bicycles yelled at him and called him names. Kevin quietly kept walking, the yelling got louder as the guys on bicycles were asking for help, Kevin started sprinting and got away. Peaceful it is not!
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has reported hundreds of arrests, citing charges such as failure to disperse, looting, and vandalism. Some protesters have engaged in destructive behavior, including setting vehicles on fire and throwing objects at police officers. The presence of the National Guard has been a controversial aspect of the response, with President Donald Trump deploying federal troops without the consent of California officials. Governor Gavin Newsom has filed a lawsuit challenging the deployment, arguing that it is an overreach of federal authority.
Despite claims from Governor Newsom, Representative Maxine Waters, and Mayor Karen Bass that the protests are largely peaceful, reports indicate that some areas have experienced significant unrest. The curfew imposed in downtown Los Angeles from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. local time is an attempt to curb further violence. The National Guard has detained protesters before handing them over to law enforcement for arrests.
Social media has played a role in spreading misinformation, with some videos falsely attributed to the current protests. For example, a video of a burning police car was actually from 2020, during protests following the death of George Floyd. Similarly, footage of military vehicles was taken before the protests began and was unrelated to the current events.
The deployment of U.S. Marines to Los Angeles has raised concerns about the militarization of the response. The Posse Comitatus Act generally prohibits the military from engaging in civilian law enforcement, but the administration has justified the deployment as necessary to maintain order. Critics argue that this move is politically motivated and could escalate tensions further.
The economic impact of the protests is becoming evident, with business owners boarding up their establishments in anticipation of further unrest. Some residents have expressed fear and uncertainty, leading to an exodus from certain neighborhoods. The situation has drawn comparisons to the 1992 Rodney King riots, though the scale and causes of the current protests differ.
As the protests continue, law enforcement agencies are working to balance public safety with the right to protest. The legal battles surrounding the federal deployment of troops will likely shape the response in the coming days. The media coverage of the protests has varied, with different outlets emphasizing different aspects of the events.
Ultimately, the protests in Los Angeles reflect deep divisions over immigration policy and federal intervention. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as officials, protesters, and law enforcement navigate the unfolding crisis.
Contributor Kayden B
