Los Angeles Protests: Chaotic Scene as Police Clash with Demonstrators Over Immigration Policies
Law enforcement officials are dispersing demonstrators in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles is once again at the center of nationwide protests against the Trump administration’s hardline immigration policies. In a tense standoff between protesters and law enforcement, police have been using rubber bullets and forcing demonstrators to disperse.
Hundreds gathered outside a federal building in downtown Los Angeles on Monday, protesting the Trump administration’s immigration policies. The atmosphere initially remained calm, but tensions escalated as police began pushing protesters back and clearing the streets around the building. Protesters responded by throwing water bottles, prompting police to retaliate with rubber bullets.
One officer was heard expressing, “It's chaotic, but we have it under control.”
Navidi Speaks OutAccording to reporter Navidi, protesters carried signs reading, "I stand with all migrants," "ICE out of L.A.," and "Fascism must go away." Initially, a small number of National Guard soldiers were stationed outside the federal building. As the situation intensified, police blocked the entrances to Highway 101, a major thoroughfare in the area.
The Role of the National Guard and MarinesThe deployment of National Guard troops and active-duty Marines has been a point of contention in recent days. Approximately 2,100 National Guard members are currently stationed in the Los Angeles area, with another 1,900 scheduled for deployment. Additionally, 700 active-duty Marines have been stationed in the region. Military personnel are primarily tasked with protecting federal personnel and facilities, but critics argue they are being used for broader law enforcement or immigration roles.
Community Impact and Legal ChallengesLocal and state leaders, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, have expressed concern over the militarization of Los Angeles streets and the potential for civil rights violations. Governor Newsom and State Attorney General Rob Bonta have filed lawsuits seeking to block the deployment of federalized National Guard and Marines for law enforcement purposes on city streets.
History of the Protests and Federal EscalationThe tensions erupted following intensified ICE operations and subsequent protests in the Los Angeles area. Trump responded to the unrest by deploying 1,700 National Guard members to Southern California, followed by up to 4,000 total, as well as 700 active-duty Marines. Marines received training in crowd control tactics that are not part of their usual duties.
Although tensions remain high, it is crucial to maintain awareness of the rights and safety of all individuals involved in these contentious and volatile protests.
[1] CBS News (2025). Thousands of National Guard Troops Deployed to Los Angeles amid Immigration Protests. [online] Available at: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/national-guard-troops-deployed-los-angeles-immigration-protests/
[2] Reuters (2025). Lawsuit Filed Against Trump Administration Over National Guard Deployment to Los Angeles. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-immigration-protests-lawsuit/lawsuit-filed-against-trump-administration-over-national-guard-deployment-to-los-angeles-idUSKBN23P11D
[3] Los Angeles Times (2025). Thousands Protest in Los Angeles over Deportations, Demanding 'ICE Out of L.A.' [online] Available at: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-06-11/thousands-protest-in-los-angeles-over-deportations-demanding-ice-out-of-la
In the midst of nationwide protests against US immigration policies under the Trump administration, Los Angeles saw a chaotic scene as police clashed with demonstrators, using force and escalating tensions. The deployment of National Guard troops and active-duty Marines in the area has been a source of contention, with concerns over civil rights violations and their potential roles in broader law enforcement or immigration matters (Politics, US, protests, police, US military, Los Angeles, California, Donald Trump).
Local and state leaders, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, have taken legal action to block the deployment of federalized National Guard and Marines for law enforcement purposes on city streets, citing the potential for civil rights violations (Politics, general-news, crime-and-justice).
