Protests against federal immigration raids in Los Angeles have entered their third day, marked by sporadic violence and arrests, as authorities remain determined to carry out enforcement actions.
Thousands of demonstrators gathered downtown over the weekend to condemn President Trump’s immigration crackdown. Protesters shut down the 101 Freeway and clashed with law enforcement, prompting police to declare the entire downtown area an unlawful assembly.
On Sunday, the California National Guard arrived in Los Angeles, deploying in riot gear to support law enforcement efforts. This marks the first time since 1965 that a president has deployed the state’s National Guard without the governor’s request. California Governor Gavin Newsom sharply criticized the move, calling it “a manufactured crisis rather than a response to unmet needs.”
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents made several arrests in the apparel district, including at Ambiance Apparel wholesale store, where employees were detained. The raids sparked sustained protests throughout the weekend, leading the federal government to increase its presence downtown.
Tensions escalated further in the working-class Latinx neighborhood of Paramount. The FBI has issued a wanted notice for a man accused of throwing rocks at a federal vehicle during protests on Saturday, injuring an officer and damaging government property. A reward of up to $50,000 has been offered for information leading to his arrest.
Police used tear gas, flash-bangs, and non-lethal projectiles to disperse crowds. Protesters responded by throwing bottles and rocks at Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies and setting multiple fires, including a car ablaze in an intersection.
Federal officials warned that any interference with lawful enforcement will lead to federal prosecution and possible jail time.
The events highlight growing political tensions between California and the federal government over immigration policies, as well as deep divisions between immigration enforcement efforts and community resistance.
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