Video at the bottom!
Chaos erupted in Los Angeles County as widespread immigration raids triggered protests from Paramount to downtown LA. In response to escalating tensions, President Trump announced the deployment of thousands of National Guard troops to the area. The unrest continued throughout the evening, with clashes between protesters and law enforcement intensifying.
Earlier in the day, demonstrators gathered in various hotspots, including Compton and downtown LA. Live reports captured the explosive environment as protesters clashed with federal agents and local law enforcement. In Compton, the scene turned volatile, as several street takeovers and fireworks drew the attention of authorities. A police helicopter hovered overhead while federal agents prepared for potential retaliatory actions by protesters.
The protests stemmed from federal immigration operations, particularly Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities around a Home Depot in Paramount. Demonstrators rallied against what they viewed as unjust treatment of hardworking individuals. As tensions boiled over, protesters blocked a U.S. Marshals Service bus and hurled objects at law enforcement vehicles. In response, federal agents deployed pepper balls, tear gas, and flash bangs to control the situation.
The unrest included incidents of property damage, with a wooden pallet and a car set ablaze, sending smoke billowing into the air. Those in the community expressed fear and anger, claiming their families were being unfairly targeted. “This is not justice, it’s madness,” one resident lamented, highlighting the anxiety many feel amid the federal crackdowns.
According to ICE agents, 118 individuals were arrested in the LA area throughout the week, with 44 apprehended during operations in downtown and south LA. As the situation unfolded, the LA County Sheriff’s Department regained control over critical intersections during confrontations with crowds.
In downtown LA, federal police established a skirmish line to keep demonstrators away from a nearby detention center that had faced heightened scrutiny and protests. Law enforcement utilized pepper spray and flash bangs as crowds began to gravitate toward the area.
LA Mayor Karen Bass issued a statement acknowledging the ongoing unrest, emphasizing the importance of peaceful protest while working closely with Washington officials to resolve tensions. The situation remains fluid, with community members and law enforcement at odds over immigration policies and public safety.
