Protesters clash with law enforcement outside the Metropolitan Detention Center as Waymo vehicles burn. (Credit: Jae C. Hong/AP )
Table of Contents
The Unfolding Chaos
Los Angeles Erupts : Downtown Los Angeles became a warzone this weekend as protests against ICE raids exploded into violent confrontations, prompting President Trump to deploy the California National Guard against Governor Gavin Newsom’s objections. The crisis began Friday when federal immigration agents conducted sweeping arrests across L.A., including at a Home Depot parking lot and the Fashion District . By Sunday, tensions reached a boiling point:
- Protesters blocked the 101 Freeway, forcing a partial shutdown as CHP officers made 17 arrests .
- Waymo’s autonomous taxis were vandalized and set ablaze near the Metropolitan Detention Center, with lithium-ion batteries releasing toxic fumes .
- LAPD declared an unlawful assembly across all of downtown, authorizing “less-lethal munitions” as crowds threw concrete, bottles, and Molotov cocktails .
The Political Powder Keg
Trump’s deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops—and preparation of 500 Marines from Camp Pendleton—ignited a constitutional crisis. Governor Newsom condemned the move as a “serious breach of state sovereignty,” announcing a lawsuit against the administration for bypassing standard protocol .
Border czar Tom Homan escalated tensions, threatening to arrest Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass if they “impeded” federal operations. Newsom fired back: “Tom, arrest me. Let’s go” . Bass called the troop deployment a “chaotic escalation,” blaming Trump for inciting fear in immigrant communities .
Los Angeles Erupts : Key Event Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June 6 | ICE raids trigger initial protests in downtown L.A. |
| June 7 | Protests spread to Paramount; Trump federalizes National Guard |
| June 8 | 101 Freeway blocked; Waymo vehicles torched; 56+ arrests |
| June 9 | National Guard occupies federal buildings; Newsom files lawsuit |
Why Waymo Became a Target
The burning of Waymo’s driverless taxis shocked observers. Protesters slashed tires, smashed windows with skateboards, and used makeshift flamethrowers to ignite five vehicles . The company suspended downtown service indefinitely, citing safety risks. This wasn’t isolated rage: Waymo cars faced 17 vandalism incidents in San Francisco last year alone . Analysts suggest the driverless vehicles symbolized automated complicity in state surveillance.
Law Enforcement Under Siege
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell denied ICE’s claim that police took “over two hours” to respond to federal backup calls Friday, revealing response times were actually 38 minutes . By Sunday, officers faced:
- A motorcyclist ramming a police line, injuring an officer
- Rocks and fireworks hurled at CHP from freeway overpasses
- A minivan driver performing dangerous “donuts” near protesters
McDonnell condemned “anarchists” exploiting the protests, noting many were “from other places just to cause havoc” .
The Insurrection Act: Trump’s Nuclear Option
The administration’s rhetoric hints at unprecedented measures. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Marines might mobilize if violence continues . Trump’s reference to “insurrectionists” and Stephen Miller’s “surrender to insurrection” tweet signal readiness to invoke the Insurrection Act—a law allowing military deployment domestically during rebellions . Legal experts warn this would shatter norms:
“Using active-duty Marines against protesters would offend every principle of democratic governance. The ‘invasion’ rhetoric is designed to justify authoritarian overreach.” — Constitutional Law Professor Rebecca Weston
Community Fallout and Resistance
The crisis is reshaping local policies. Glendale, a city 9 miles north of L.A., terminated its ICE detention contract, calling it “divisive” despite being “not politically driven” . Meanwhile, immigrant rights groups report detained individuals being denied communication access .
What’s Next for Los Angeles?
As of Monday morning:
- National Guard troops remain stationed at federal facilities, with Marines on standby.
- Newsom’s lawsuit challenges Trump’s authority to federalize state guardsmen.
- LAPD maintains its downtown “unlawful assembly” order, warning all non-media to avoid the area .
Internal Links:
- Timeline of L.A. Immigration Enforcement
- Waymo’s Statement on Vehicle Attacks
- Full Text of California’s Lawsuit
External Sources:
- Posse Comitatus Act Explained (CRS Report)
- ICE Arrest Statistics (TRAC Immigration)
- National Guard Deployment Laws (SCOTUSblog)
Stay with KTLA Live and Fox News Live for continuous coverage as this story develops.