Protests erupted violently in Los Angeles, with Kazakh national in the thick of it, as captured on camera.
Spontaneous Chaos in the City of Angels: A Week of Turmoil in Los Angeles
In the heart of the Hollywood landscape, Los Angeles is currently engulfed in turmoil, triggered by the ongoing demonstrations against the immigration policy of President Donald Trump. The commotion has been a whirlwind, captivating the world since the inaugural protests on June 6, 2025. Kazakhstan's Asylbek Imandosov experienced this unrest firsthand, arriving in LA for a brief visit only to find himself smack in the middle of the action.
The city's ambience by day appears to be relatively calm and safe, but an eerie sense of unease escalates as darkness falls. Imandosov recounts his chilling encounters, hiding behind bushes as the confrontations escalate and protesters nosedived towards him. He confessed, "I was terrified. I’ve never experienced anything like this before."
LA's looming nights have seen mobs looting stores, overturning vehicles, and setting fires. Aside from the fatalities of at least six individuals and the arrests of over 400, approximately 2,000 participate actively in the rallies. The US authorities attempt to quell the protests through means of tear gas, stun guns, and rubber bullets. Some areas of the city are subjected to a curfew, but noncompliance is common.
The unrest does not reside solely in LA. Protests have spread to other cities, including New York, Chicago, and San Francisco. Kazakhstan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs claims that no Kazakhstani citizens have sought assistance from the government.
The demonstrations prompted tensions between the residents and ICE agents. Clashes between the two parties led to the deployment of California's National Guard by President Trump, followed by an additional contingent and 700 Marines. California's attorney general filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, while the governor labeled the deployment as provoking violence and turning peaceful protests into riots.
Lootings, vandalism, and acts of destruction have tainted the city, resulting in over 200 arrests and the demolition of more than 20 stores, prompting authorities to enforce a curfew in LA. Following the uproar, there were queries regarding the potential evacuation of Kazakhstani citizens from the conflict zone. The government dismissed such concerns, maintaining that it cannot micromanage the decisions of each individual citizen.
The protests in LA have echoed through other cities nationwide, igniting unity among those opposed to Trump's immigration policy. This whirlwind of discontent continues to evolve, and the future remains uncertain for the city of Los Angeles. For those curious about the unfolding events, subscribe to our Telegram channel for real-time updates and exclusive content surrounding the protest movement.
Background:The ongoing protests in LA began after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducted raids in several locations, including the fashion district and a Home Depot parking lot. Various groups have organized these demonstrations, attracting unaffiliated protesters. Some protests have escalated into riots, with clashes between the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), ICE agents, and protesters. Looting and property damage, such as setting a dumpster on fire, have become problems during the protests. Critics view the deployment of the National Guard as an attempt to control rather than manage the protests. Governor Gavin Newsom has expressed concern over the federalization of the National Guard and has sued the Trump administration in response. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has urged protesters to maintain peace while blaming the president for escalating tensions.
The political landscape in Los Angeles is not just controversy surrounding immigration policy, but also general-news events like the ongoing protests, which have led to crime-and-justice issues such as looting, violence, and clashes between protesters and law enforcement agencies.
Moreover, the unrest in Los Angeles is not an isolated incident; the protests against President Trump's immigration policy have been seen in other major cities like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco, indicating a broader movement across the country.
