Cops Order People To Leave Downtown LA As Unrest Over ICE Raids Turn Violent | Top Updates

Last Updated:June 09, 2025, 16:35 IST

Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) declared "unlawful assembly" in downtown LA as protests against immigration raids turned violent on Sunday.

Security forces and protesters clashed in Los Angeles for a third day. (AFP)

Police have ordered people to leave downtown Los Angeles as protests against immigration raids continued for a third day, with cars being torched and security forces firing tear gas at demonstrators after US President Donald Trump deployed more than 2,000 National Guard troops in the city.

Protests in Los Angeles were triggered on Friday after federal immigration authorities arrested at least dozens of people in raids, claiming they were illegal migrants and gang members. Hundreds of people had gathered outside the detention centre in downtown LA to protest against the immigration raids.

The Los Angeles police declared downtown LA an “unlawful assembly" area after protests turned violent on Sunday and asked residents, businesses and visitors to leave the area immediately. “Officers are responding to several different locations to disperse crowds. An ‘UNLAWFUL ASSEMBLY’ is in effect for the Civic Center area of [Downtown Los Angeles]," it said.

Here’s a recap on what happened during the protests in Los Angeles

‘BRING IN THE TROOPS’

US President Donald Trump has deployed 2,000 National Guard troops in Los Angeles as angry protesters clashed with federal immigration authorities on Saturday, warning that the federal government will deal with “riots and looters" if LA authorities are unable to do their jobs.

On Sunday, Trump announced a ban on masks at protests, commending the National Guard for their efforts in quelling unrest in the city. “From now on, MASKS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED to be worn at protests," he said, instructing law enforcement to arrest those wearing them.

“Looking really bad in L.A. BRING IN THE TROOPS!!!" he said in another post. LA Governor Gavin Newsom objected to the move as unlawful.

ALSO READ: ICE Raids, Immigration Clashes: Here’s Why Protests Broke Out In Latino Neighbourhoods In LA

Cars Torched, Tear Gas Fired

Security forces clashed with protesters in LA on Sunday in response to Trump’s deployment of the National Guard, blocking off a major freeway and setting autonomous vehicles on fire as local law enforcement used tear gas, rubber bullets, and flash bangs to control the crowd.

At least three self-driving Waymo cars were torched as protests continued in downtown Los Angeles. A British journalist photographer needed surgery after being shot with a sponge bullet, while an Australian reporter was shot with a non-lethal round while reporting, according to the BBC.

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) said at least 56 people have been arrested over two days, and three officers had suffered minor injuries. US Northern Command said around 500 Marines are prepared to be deployed should the need arise.

ALSO READ: Australian Reporter Shot By Rubber Bullet While Covering Los Angeles Protests | Video

Republicans Back Trump Amid Political Divide

California Governor Gavin Newsom has sharply criticised Trump for deploying the National Guard to quell protests, accusing him of “inciting violence", “creating mass chaos" and arresting opponents. “We didn’t have a problem until Trump got involved. This is a serious breach of state sovereignty — inflaming tensions while pulling resources from where they’re actually needed," he said.

“California — Don’t give Donald Trump what he wants. Speak up. Stay peaceful. Stay calm. Do not use violence and respect the law enforcement officers that are trying their best to keep the peace," he said in another post.

A group of Democratic Senators backed Newsom and criticised Trump’s move to send in the National Guard without consulting the governor, calling it an “alarming abuse of power". Former Vice President Kamala Harris called it “a dangerous escalation meant to provoke chaos."

However, Republicans lined up behind Trump to dismiss the pushback. “I have no concern about that at all," said House Speaker Mike Johnson, accusing Newsom of “an inability or unwillingness to do what is necessary."

Trump also lashed out at the Governor and LA Mayor Karen Bass. “Governor Gavin Newscum and “Mayor" Bass should apologize to the people of Los Angeles for the absolutely horrible job that they have done, and this now includes the ongoing L.A. riots. These are not protesters, they are troublemakers and insurrectionists."

“We have an incompetent Governor (Newscum) and Mayor (Bass) who were, as usual (just look at how they handled the fires, and now their VERY SLOW PERMITTING disaster. Federal permitting is complete!), unable to to handle the task," he said.

(with inputs from agencies)

Aveek Banerjee

Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international...Read More

Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international...

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Los Angeles, United States of America (USA)

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News world Cops Order People To Leave Downtown LA As Unrest Over ICE Raids Turn Violent | Top Updates