Los Angeles protests erupt after ICE raids; Newsom slams federal move to deploy National Guard

Widespread protests erupted in Los Angeles late Friday and intensified through Saturday, following immigration enforcement actions carried out by federal agents in multiple locations across the city. The unrest began after reports surfaced of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detaining dozens of individuals in downtown Los Angeles and the Paramount area. Tensions further escalated when Governor Gavin Newsom accused the federal government of attempting to take over the California National Guard to deploy 2,000 troops, a move he described as inflammatory.

In a statement on social media Saturday evening, Newsom said, “The federal government is moving to take over the California National Guard and deploy 2,000 soldiers. That move is purposefully inflammatory and will only escalate tensions.” He emphasized that local authorities had not requested military intervention, adding that state and city resources were already in place to manage public safety.

Protests broke out near the Edward Roybal Federal Building in downtown Los Angeles and outside a Home Depot store in Paramount, where demonstrators believed a raid was underway. Federal agencies confirmed several arrests and clashes with protestors, while state and city officials criticized the federal strategy as disruptive and unnecessary.

Why did ICE conduct enforcement operations in Los Angeles?

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Southern California reported that ICE agents carried out multiple raids across Los Angeles beginning Friday morning, with operations centered in the fashion district and other commercial zones. According to the ACLU, hundreds of individuals were detained, including minors. Protesters quickly gathered at key locations, including the federal building, where tensions boiled over into confrontations with Border Patrol and ICE officers.

In a later clarification, Paramount Mayor Peggy Lemons stated that federal agents were staging in the city and not conducting a raid at that moment. However, public perception and social media posts led many to believe that an active enforcement action was underway, fueling outrage.

Videos from Saturday evening show agents firing flash-bang and smoke grenades at protestors. At least one vehicle was set ablaze, and Border Patrol personnel could be seen confronting demonstrators in several parts of the city. Federal agents cited security threats and crowd hostility as justification for the use of force.

How did Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass respond to the situation?

Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the raids as chaotic and politically motivated. In a formal statement issued by his office, he accused the federal administration of pursuing arbitrary arrest quotas and fostering mistrust between law enforcement and immigrant communities. “Donald Trump‘s chaos is eroding trust, tearing families apart, and undermining the workers and industries that power America’s economy,” Newsom wrote.

Mayor Karen Bass also denounced the raids, emphasizing Los Angeles’ status as a “proud city of immigrants.” She stated that neither she nor the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) was informed about the ICE operations beforehand. In an interview with KABC, Bass described the raids as dangerous and disruptive, adding that her administration was coordinating with immigrant rights groups to support affected communities.

Bass further stated, “These tactics sow terror in our communities and disrupt basic principles of safety in our city. We will not stand for this.”

What is the federal government’s position on the ICE operations and protests?

President Donald Trump posted on social media Saturday night, asserting that the federal government would intervene if California lawmakers “can’t do their jobs.” Though no formal deployment order has been issued for the National Guard under federal command, Trump’s statement fueled speculation about impending direct military involvement.

ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons accused Mayor Bass and the LAPD of failing to protect federal agents during Friday’s protests. In a statement, Lyons claimed that over 1,000 demonstrators surrounded a federal facility and attacked officers. He said ICE agents were conducting targeted arrests of “criminal illegal aliens,” including those with records of drug trafficking, domestic violence, and gang activity.

U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli warned that anyone interfering with federal enforcement actions would face arrest and prosecution. Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks confirmed that several protestors were taken into custody for assaulting officers, and the FBI’s Deputy Director Dan Bongino said an investigation was underway to identify individuals who threw rocks at law enforcement vehicles.

Did LAPD and local law enforcement delay their response?

ICE’s leadership criticized the LAPD for allegedly delaying its response to the unrest for over two hours. However, LAPD issued a statement later Saturday denying this timeline, asserting that their deployment began within 55 minutes of receiving the call. Police officials said the federal agents’ use of chemical irritants before LAPD arrived created a hazardous environment, complicating the response and exposing officers to safety risks.

LAPD also reported that some protestors threw large pieces of concrete and other objects. The department declared an unlawful assembly after 7:00 p.m. Friday near the Roybal Building and authorized the use of “less-lethal munitions” to disperse the crowd.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department clarified that its personnel were deployed solely for traffic control and did not participate in any federal immigration actions. In a public statement, the department reaffirmed its commitment to protecting First Amendment rights while maintaining public order.

What is the current situation in downtown LA and Paramount?

As of early Sunday, demonstrations in downtown Los Angeles and the Paramount area have continued with sporadic confrontations between protestors and federal agents. Several streets near the Roybal Federal Building remain closed, and additional law enforcement resources have been deployed to monitor activity.

Federal agents have not announced plans to scale back operations, and further arrests may occur if enforcement continues through the weekend. Local immigrant advocacy organizations have called for mass gatherings on Sunday afternoon, demanding the immediate release of detainees and the cessation of ICE activities in California.

Meanwhile, the threat of a federalized National Guard deployment looms over the situation. Legal experts and political observers warn that such an action could deepen the constitutional conflict between state sovereignty and federal enforcement powers, particularly in sanctuary jurisdictions like Los Angeles.

How are civil rights groups and the public responding?

Immigrant advocacy organizations and civil liberties groups have condemned the raids and the potential federal takeover of the National Guard. The ACLU of Southern California described the federal operations as a violation of civil rights and called for independent oversight.

Community leaders have emphasized the emotional toll the raids are having on families, schools, and workplaces. Reports suggest some parents are keeping children home from school out of fear, and certain businesses in the fashion district temporarily closed on Friday following rumors of mass arrests.

Public sentiment on social media is deeply divided. While some users supported the enforcement of immigration laws, others criticized what they view as excessive force and political intimidation. The issue has already become a flashpoint in national discourse ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

What is the outlook for federal-state relations in California?

The situation in Los Angeles is fast becoming a test case for federal-state tensions over immigration policy and law enforcement authority. Governor Newsom has not ruled out legal action should the Trump administration proceed with its plan to federalize the California National Guard. Such a move, though permitted under federal law in cases of national emergency or civil unrest, would likely face court challenges if seen as politically motivated.

For now, state and city officials are urging calm. Protest organizers are planning continued non-violent demonstrations, while federal officials remain firm on their operational prerogatives. The coming days could prove pivotal in determining whether the conflict intensifies or shifts toward negotiation and de-escalation.