In a summer of record-breaking heat and global conflict, perhaps no story in LA was bigger than the immigration raids unleashed by the Trump administration; raids that sparked police violence, mass protests and days of unrest across the city.

HOW WE GOT HERE

Mass deportations and immigration reform were a key campaign promise of President Donald Trump, who often described migrants using words like “invasion.” 

Last year, the AP reported conservatives at the Republican National Convention chanting and waving “Mass Deportations Now” signs during Trump’s speech. Critics, like the National Immigrants Justice Center, had long warned that his rhetoric could lead to “expedited removals” through raids in neighborhoods and workplaces.

The administration initially claimed deportations would focus on undocumented immigrants with criminal records, the so-called “worst of the worst.” But by late May and early June, the Deportation Data Project found only 30% of those arrested had any record at all.

The White House did confirm that it views all undocumented immigrants as “criminals.

ICE IN LA  

  In early June, greater Los Angeles, including Long Beach, saw unprecedented Immigration and Customs Enforcement sweeps.

The coordinated raids targeted immigrant communities, with federal agents arresting people as witnesses and news outlets reported agents appeared to be chasing individuals based on appearance.

After relentless raids began in June, Angelinos got a break on July 11 when U.S. District Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong ruled that federal agents cannot profile suspects or make detainments based solely on factors like race/ethnicity, language or location. 

By August, ICE and other federal agents began sweeping raids again, including at Coast Hand Car Wash on Aug. 17, less than half a mile from campus. 

Multiple sources including ABC, CBS, NBC and The Guardian agree that events first escalated on Friday, June. 6. 

FRIDAY – June. 6 

Federal agents arrest several people in unexpected morning raids near a Westlake Home Depot and in Downtown LA’s Fashion District. 

By afternoon, protesters gathered at the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building, clashing with LA police who stood between federal agents. That night, LAPD declared the demonstration an unlawful assembly. 

SATURDAY – June. 7

Around 10 a.m., citizens in Paramount reported and recorded ICE activity near the Home Depot on Alondra Boulevard, between Compton and Paramount.

It was later confirmed federal agents had staged an office inside the Paramount Business Center in front of the Home Depot. By noon, crowds began gathering and clashing with police sent to disperse them.

By late afternoon, tensions escalated. Current photographers reported police managed to kettle crowds on the Paramount side, but across the bridge in Compton protesters pushed officers back with less restraint.

That evening, Trump signed a memorandum ordering 2,000 National Guard troops to LA. 

Protests carried on through the night in Compton, Paramount, and Downtown LA.

]]>

 

SUNDAY – June. 8

Guard troops arrive in LA before dawn. 300 troops are stationed in Paramount, Compton and Downtown with more on the way.

Protests sparked early downtown, where crowds marched from City Hall to the Federal Building before LAPD blocked them at Temple and Alameda. Police refused to let protesters advance, opening fire with foam and pepper-ball rounds on both demonstrators and press indiscriminately.

Mounted horse units, batons, and stronger, less lethal munitions followed as clashes spread into running street battles. Buildings were damaged, cars set ablaze, and injuries mounted.

By nightfall, LAPD, backed by sheriffs, declared an unlawful assembly after unleashing waves of less lethal rounds.

]]>

 

TUESDAY – June. 10

President Trump sent 700 Marines to join the Guard, many stationed at City Hall and the Federal Building. 

On the fifth straight day of protest, LB Current photographers followed a smaller crowd to the Metropolitan Detention Center, where demonstrations stayed mostly peaceful with only minor unrest.

Looting and damage, however, which escalated on Monday night, prompted Mayor Karen Bass to issue a curfew for the one-square-mile conflict zone, effective from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.

]]>

 

WEDNESDAY – June. 11

Reports of damage and crime in the conflict decline post curfew.

Smaller but notable protests continued in Downtown, Paramount, and Inglewood, where ICE activity had increased. Raids were also reported in Culver City and Downey.

In nearby Lynwood, protesters gathered near Lynwood Park. Attendees like nurse Maria Guzman said the protest partly aimed to draw attention away from a same-day Lynwood High School graduation amid reports of ICE monitoring schools.

The protest stayed peaceful and ended at nightfall.

]]>

 

SUNDAY – June. 14

Designated “No Kings” Day, protests broke out nationwide.

In LA, tens of thousands marched near City Hall, voicing anger over recent ICE raids, among other grievances like the Epstein files. 

The protest stayed peaceful until the afternoon, when LAPD declared an unlawful assembly, calling in sheriffs and horseback officers. Again, police fired indiscriminately, injuring many, as protestors fought back with projectiles, fireworks, and makeshift weapons.

Two days later, Trump ordered federal officials to expand and prioritize deportation operations in Democratic-run cities.

]]>