What led to the Los Angeles immigration raids protests, and what the National Guard deployment means for California’s migrant communities

Dozens were arrested, National Guard troops deployed, and tear gas filled the air as large-scale immigration raids in Los Angeles triggered widespread protests across the city. As California's most populous city experienced a second day of unrest on Saturday, June 7, as residents of a predominantly Latino district clashed with federal agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).


In response, President Trump signed a memo ordering the deployment of at least 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles County due to clashes between immigration authorities and demonstrators. Tear gas and batons were used to disperse crowds in the Paramount district.

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The air outside the Home Depot in Paramount, where the protests first erupted, was thick with tear gas and smoke. Flashbangs echoed through the streets as LA County sheriffs fired round after round in an attempt to clear out demonstrators refusing to leave. Protesters scattered and regrouped, many shielding their faces from the acrid air.


Residents and activists on the ground reported that migrants were trapped inside local businesses, too afraid to step outside amid the escalating chaos.

What led to the Los Angeles immigration raids protests?

The unrest began after US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with support from the Department of Homeland Security, carried out surprise immigration raids across Los Angeles. More than 100 people were arrested this week, and at least 40 people were arrested this Friday, June 6, in targeted operations at street vending zones, big-box stores, and distribution centers.

The raids came on the heels of former President Donald Trump’s recent speech promising tougher immigration enforcement. Although Trump has not officially invoked the Insurrection Act, federal officials say they are prepared to use all tools available to maintain order in cities resisting cooperation.


Democratic politician and California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the raids, calling them “provocative and irresponsible.” He said that California, and specifically Los Angeles, remains a sanctuary state, with laws that restrict cooperation between local law enforcement and ICE.

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Who is protesting in Los Angeles?

The LA protests have involved a broad coalition of immigrants, labor groups, students, and civil rights organizations. Demonstrations began in Westlake, Paramount, and the Fashion District, before spreading to other parts of the city. Protesters carried signs like “Stop the Raids” and “No National Guard in Our Neighborhoods.”


As crowds grew Friday night, clashes erupted between demonstrators and law enforcement. Tear gas and flashbangs were used to disperse crowds in downtown LA. Social media videos showed protesters being shoved, detained, and in some cases, injured by riot police.

One demonstrator near MacArthur Park said, “This feels like the beginning of another LA riot, just like in 1992. We’ve seen this before.” By Saturday afternoon, protests were ongoing, with roadblocks and heavy police presence around key intersections.

National guard mobilized in Los Angeles

Citing threats to federal infrastructure and personnel, the federal government authorized the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles under Title 10 authority, which does not require the state governor’s approval. Defense officials said the troops are acting as a “stabilizing force,” but their presence has drawn criticism from state leaders.

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Governor Newsom responded sharply, saying, “This is not a war zone. The National Guard was not requested, and their deployment without coordination undermines public trust.”


While Trump did not officially confirm use of the Insurrection Act, legal experts have raised concerns that federal troop deployment in a sanctuary city like Los Angeles could be a test run for broader executive action. The move is likely to spark lawsuits challenging its legality.

Local and national reactions

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass accused federal officials of bypassing city coordination and violating local laws. “These raids undermine public safety and retraumatize communities already living in fear,” she said during a press conference.


The California National Guard, which answers to the governor, was not involved in the federal operation. Legal analysts say deploying active-duty troops under Title 10, especially without a state emergency, could be seen as an overreach of federal power.

Civil liberties groups, including the ACLU of California, have denounced the raids and called for congressional hearings. “What’s happening in California today could happen anywhere tomorrow,” one ACLU spokesperson warned.

Will the protest against the immigration raid continue?

The Los Angeles immigration raids have reignited national debate over federal authority, sanctuary laws, and the militarization of civil responses. Protesters vow to continue marching, while legal advocates are working to provide aid to detainees and challenge the constitutionality of the operation.


Protesters in Los Angeles are very likely to continue demonstrating despite recent clashes and arrests. Protesters have repeatedly confronted federal agents, blocking streets, chanting slogans like “No Human Being is Illegal,” and attempting to prevent detainee transport.