ICE Raids in Los Angeles Spark Protests and Military Deployment

In early June 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted a series of operations across Los Angeles, resulting in the arrest of over 100 individuals suspected of immigration violations. These actions ignited widespread protests throughout the city, leading to significant civil unrest and a complex interplay between federal and local authorities.

On June 6, 2025, ICE agents conducted multiple raids in Los Angeles, including locations such as the Fashion District, a clothing wholesaler, and a Home Depot in the Westlake District. These operations led to the arrest of 44 individuals on that day alone. By June 11, the total number of arrests had surpassed 100. The raids were part of a broader federal initiative targeting undocumented immigrants.

The ICE operations prompted immediate and widespread protests across Los Angeles. Demonstrators expressed strong opposition to the federal crackdown on immigrant communities. Clashes between protesters and law enforcement ensued, resulting in nearly 400 arrests by June 11, primarily for failure to disperse, though some individuals faced more serious charges such as assault and possession of weapons.

In response to escalating tensions, President Donald Trump deployed approximately 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the deployment, stating that the mission aimed to support law enforcement in maintaining law and order amid ongoing civil unrest. However, this move drew criticism from local officials, including Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom, who condemned the federal intervention as an overreach of power.

Mayor Karen Bass criticized the raids, stating, "As Mayor of a proud city of immigrants, who contribute to our city in so many ways, I am deeply angered by what has taken place. These tactics sow terror in our communities and disrupt basic principles of safety in our city." Governor Gavin Newsom also condemned the federal actions, describing them as "purposefully inflammatory" and likely to "only escalate tensions."

Veterans and advocacy groups, including Common Defense, condemned the deployment of military forces, arguing that it represented a dangerous escalation and misuse of military power. Critics highlighted concerns over authoritarianism and racial discrimination, emphasizing that such tactics would not be used in predominantly white or conservative areas.

The deployment of active-duty military personnel in domestic law enforcement roles raised significant legal and constitutional questions. During a Senate hearing, Defense Secretary Hegseth admitted he could not cite the specific constitutional authority for the deployment. Democratic lawmakers argued that involving active-duty forces in civil law enforcement was illegal and eroded military readiness.

The protests and subsequent deployment of military forces had substantial economic and social implications. The Pentagon estimated the cost of the deployment at $134 million, covering travel, housing, and food for the troops. Additionally, the unrest led to business disruptions and heightened tensions within communities, particularly among immigrant populations who expressed fear and uncertainty.

The federalization of the National Guard without the cooperation of the state's governor was the first such action since the Selma to Montgomery marches in 1965. This unprecedented move intensified debates over the balance of power between federal and state authorities and the appropriate use of military force in domestic affairs.

The federal government's aggressive enforcement actions and subsequent military intervention have not only intensified tensions in Los Angeles but have also ignited a broader national conversation about the balance of power between federal and state authorities, the treatment of immigrant communities, and the appropriate use of military force in domestic affairs.