Protests erupt after ICE detains over 100 undocumented migrants; Trump threatens federal intervention
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| A man on a motorcycle waves a Mexican flag as smoke rises from a burning car on Atlantic Boulevard Photo by Reuters |
Los Angeles, June 8, 2025 — Smoke, sirens, and shouting filled the air in Paramount, a suburb south of Los Angeles, as immigration raids ignited fierce protests for the second straight day, turning parts of the city into a volatile standoff zone between federal agents and demonstrators.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents launched coordinated raids on Friday across multiple locations in the Los Angeles area, arresting 118 undocumented immigrants, including individuals linked to criminal groups. The raids targeted businesses suspected of employing workers with forged documentation, including a clothing warehouse in the Fashion District and several Home Depot outlets.
By Saturday, streets around Atlantic Boulevard resembled a battlefield. Protesters—many waving Mexican flags or holding signs demanding justice—blocked roads with cement blocks and shopping carts. A car burned near the protests, flash-bang grenades were deployed, and parts of the freeway were shut down as tensions escalated.
“This isn’t law enforcement, it’s a declaration of war on our communities,” shouted one protester as tear gas filled the streets.
The Department of Homeland Security defended the actions, with Secretary Kristi Noem warning demonstrators: “@ICEgov will continue to enforce the law. And if you lay a hand on a law enforcement officer, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
The raids, however, have drawn sharp backlash from immigration advocates and local officials. According to reports from The Guardian and Associated Press, masked federal agents were seen dragging individuals out of warehouses and retail locations, with protestors attempting to block vehicles from leaving the scene.
“We’re not just resisting raids—we’re standing up for families,” said Maria Torres, a local community organizer.
President Donald Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, on Saturday, lashing out at California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. “If Governor Gavin Newscum and Mayor Karen Bass can’t do their jobs, then the Federal Government will step in and solve the problem, RIOTS & LOOTERS, the way it should be solved!!!” he posted.
In response, Gov. Newsom condemned the administration’s approach and warned of an impending crisis. “The federal government is moving to take over the California National Guard and deploy 2,000 soldiers. This is the wrong mission and will erode public trust,” he said.
Meanwhile, Tom Homan, Trump’s top border advisor, doubled down on Fox News, claiming, “We are making Los Angeles safer. Mayor Bass should be thanking us.” He confirmed that the National Guard would be deployed “tonight.”
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino added, “You bring chaos, and we’ll bring handcuffs. Law and order will prevail.”
Outside the federal detention center on Friday night, chants of “Set them free, let them stay!” echoed through the crowd. Civil rights groups, including the ACLU, have condemned the raids as “inhumane and unconstitutional,” calling for congressional oversight.
With the situation rapidly evolving and a heightened federal presence expected, Los Angeles braces for what could be another night of unrest.
As one protester warned, “If they bring more troops, we bring more voices.”
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