Los Angeles Immigration Protests and Federal Intervention (June 2025)

In June 2025, protests began in the city of Los Angeles, California, United States, against detention operations conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These protests initially remained peaceful but quickly escalated into violence due to the continuation of ICE operations and federal intervention, spreading to other states beyond California. The events triggered constitutional and legal disputes between the federal government and the state of California regarding the deployment of the National Guard.

Origins and Initial Reactions

In June 2025, protests erupted in the city of Los Angeles, California, United States, against detention operations carried out by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). ICE teams detained at least 44 undocumented migrants during raids, primarily in the neighborhoods of Paramount and Westlake, one of whom worked in construction. The total number of detentions across Los Angeles on the same day was reported at 118. ICE officials stated that these operations were part of a broad program targeting deportations. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security clarified that the operations aimed to identify individuals lacking legal documentation.

Protest at the federal building in Los Angeles, June 7, 2025 - (Anadolu Ajansı)

The focal point of the protests, which began on June 6, 2025, was the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building and the surrounding area of the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles. Demonstrators gathered there demanding the release of detained migrants. Various civil society organizations and human rights advocates joined the demonstrations.

During the protests, ICE personnel were observed conducting patrols in unmarked vehicles and wearing military-style uniforms. Some demonstrators protested raids on garment factories, particularly those targeting the textile business Ambiance Apparel, which became one of the key flashpoints of the demonstrations. Protesters carried signs and painted anti-ICE slogans on streets. Some demonstrators waved Mexican flags.

Spread and Escalation of Protests

The anti-immigration protests that began in Los Angeles spread in the following days. Initially peaceful, the demonstrations dispersed to various parts of the city, with occasional reports of violent incidents.

Protests in Los Angeles, June 9, 2025 - (Anadolu Ajansı)

On June 7, 2025, demonstrators blocked the 101 Freeway in downtown Los Angeles, halting traffic. According to police reports, some protesters threw incendiary materials onto the freeway and damaged public vehicles. Similar protests occurred in San Francisco on the same day, where police intervened and arrested approximately 60 activists gathered outside an ICE facility.

Protests also continued in Los Angeles neighborhoods of Paramount and Compton, where demonstrators set fire to trash bins and clashed with patrol vehicles on certain streets. During a protest along Alondra Boulevard, federal officers were injured by stones thrown by protesters, prompting the FBI to launch an investigation to identify the attackers.

National Guard units and protesters face off in Los Angeles, June 9, 2025 - (Anadolu Ajansı)

By June 8, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) declared the entire downtown area an “unlawful assembly” zone and issued warnings to disperse gatherings around Civic Center. Clashes occasionally occurred between LAPD and protesters. Police sources reported that some demonstrators used Molotov cocktails and commercial-grade fireworks to attack security forces. That evening, a large crowd clashed with police near the Metropolitan Detention Center, prompting authorities to deploy pepper spray and plastic bullets to disperse the protesters.

Several autonomous vehicles were set on fire during the protests. Vehicles belonging to Waymo, the driverless taxi company, had their tires slashed, windows smashed, and graffiti applied to their surfaces. Police noted that these incidents were concentrated around federal buildings.

Protests in Los Angeles, June 9, 2025 - (Anadolu Ajansı)

The number of detentions increased by the third day of protests. Authorities reported that at least 56 demonstrators were arrested over just two days: 29 on June 7 and 27 on June 8. Officials also announced that three police officers were lightly injured during operations near the Metropolitan Detention Center.

Protests spread to the Little Tokyo neighborhood, where tensions flared between demonstrators and security forces. Authorities reported that fireworks were fired in the area and that sound bombs and pepper spray were used against protesters.

Temporary disruptions occurred on public transit lines. On June 8, sections of the A and B metro lines extending into downtown were temporarily closed, and access to Union Station was cut off. Several bus routes were rerouted.

The protests were not confined to Los Angeles. Simultaneous demonstrations took place in other states including Texas (Austin and Dallas), Florida (Tampa), and Massachusetts (Boston). In Austin, police used tear gas to disperse protesters gathered outside an ICE office. The march in Dallas remained largely peaceful. Solidarity marches were held in front of ICE offices and federal buildings in San Francisco, Austin, and Dallas. In some areas, public services experienced disruptions.

Deployment of the National Guard and Military Intervention

In response to the protests in Los Angeles, U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of a 2,000-person National Guard unit to the city on June 7, 2025, to restore public order. The first units arrived the same day and were stationed around federal buildings.

National Guard units were deployed to areas of intense protest, including the Metropolitan Detention Center and the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building. Some units were observed armed with long-barreled weapons and equipped with armored vehicles, and were dispatched to pre-designated security positions. Working alongside the Los Angeles Police Department, these units operated in Civic Center and Downtown areas where protests were ongoing.

Security forces responding to protests in Los Angeles, June 9, 2025 - (Anadolu Ajansı)

On June 8, the Trump administration issued a new order authorizing the deployment of a second 2,000-person National Guard unit. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated that these units were sent to support federal law enforcement agencies. The deployment was carried out without the approval of California Governor Gavin Newsom.

Following the deployment order, the California government announced it would file a lawsuit against the federal government for violating constitutional authority. The California Constitution and the U.S. Constitution’s Tenth Amendment stipulate that the National Guard may be federalized only under limited circumstances and typically require the governor’s consent.

By June 8, in protest zones, the California State Police, LAPD, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and federal ICE units were also active. Coordination between police and National Guard units was reported to be most intense around the Metropolitan Detention Center. Federal officials stated that the purpose of the National Guard deployment was to ensure the safety of ICE and DHS personnel, emphasizing that the Guard was not directly participating in immigration operations but providing only security support.

Protests in Los Angeles, June 9, 2025 - (Anadolu Ajansı)

On June 9, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that if violence escalated further, a 700-person Marine Corps unit would be deployed. The Marines, stationed at Camp Pendleton in Southern California, were placed on high alert.

On June 10, President Trump announced via his social media account that the second 2,000-person National Guard unit had also been deployed under federal authority. Some units were reported to be stationed around federal buildings while others engaged in active patrols.

Legal Disputes and State-Federal Tensions

The deployment of the National Guard by presidential order in response to the Los Angeles protests ignited a constitutional dispute between the state of California and the federal government. On June 7, 2025, President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of National Guard units to Los Angeles without the consent of California Governor Gavin Newsom.

Governor Gavin Newsom argued that Trump’s decision violated California’s constitutional rights and announced that the state would file a lawsuit against the federal government. Newsom stated that federal protocols require coordination between the Department of Defense and the state governor, and that this protocol had been breached.

Protests in Los Angeles, June 10, 2025 - (Anadolu Ajansı)

In a statement on June 8, Newsom noted that federal deployment of the National Guard without a governor’s approval was rare in U.S. history. He characterized the presidential order as “going to a fire with a broom,” calling it “illegal, immoral, and unconstitutional.”

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, in the lawsuit against Trump’s order, argued that this exercise of authority constituted a “provocative and legally baseless intervention” in violation of the Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which reserves all powers not explicitly granted to the federal government to the states.

Democratic Senator Jack Reed of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee described President Trump’s decision to deploy active-duty Marines as “the suppression of civil authority by military force.” Reed warned that the move risked overstepping the boundaries of federalism.

Trump’s border advisor Tom Homan stated that Governor Newsom could be arrested if he continued to obstruct federal operations. Newsom responded directly, telling MSNBC, “Arrest me, let’s go.”

President Trump criticized Governor Newsom for failing to uphold public order, accusing the California administration of neglecting its responsibility to “maintain law and order.” Trump stated, “If this continues, the Governor of California must be arrested.”

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also opposed the deployment of federal forces, asserting that local law enforcement was fully capable of managing the situation. Bass affirmed that Los Angeles had the capacity to handle the protests.

United Nations Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq, during a daily press briefing, called for the situation in Los Angeles not to be further militarized and urged all parties to act with restraint.

Reactions from President Donald Trump and the Federal Administration

On June 8, 2025, President Trump, in posts on the social media platform Truth Social, labeled the protests as “violent insurrections” and described the deployment of the National Guard as a “great decision.”

Protesters with masks during protests in Los Angeles, June 9, 2025 - (Anadolu Ajansı)

Trump referred to protesters as “insurgents” and “thugs,” stating that those who spat at National Guard troops would be met with “a strong response.” He also criticized the use of masks during demonstrations, declaring his intent to ban them and claiming that mask-wearing was “an attempt to hide something.”

Trump accused California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass of failing to respond adequately to the unrest. In a social media post, he wrote that people should say, “Mr. President, you are amazing, what would we do without you?” In the same post, Governor Newsom’s surname was misspelled as “Newscum.”

U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem stated that federal operations would continue and that protesters could not halt the process. Noem affirmed that ICE would continue enforcing the law. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared that attacks on National Guard units would not be tolerated and that Marines would be deployed if necessary.

Trump administration officials characterized the protests as a threat to federal security forces. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described border security as part of economic security and highlighted the presence of masked protesters carrying foreign flags. He called on Congress to approve funding for a border wall and increased personnel.

U.S. Attorney for Los Angeles Bill Essayli announced that images of protesters had been collected and that the FBI had begun identifying individuals for legal proceedings. It was made clear that those involved in the protests would face legal consequences.

President Trump also accused Governor Newsom of turning a blind eye to organizers of the protests and labeled border security a “national security issue.” Trump declared that the intervention measures in Los Angeles would continue.

Imposition of Curfew and Expanded Security Measures

On 10 June 2025, the Los Angeles City Hall declared a curfew in response to mass protests occurring in the city center, announcing the decision through a written public statement. According to the announcement, all individuals are prohibited from leaving their residences in the city center daily between 20:00 and 06:00 until a further notice. The measure was taken to ensure public safety and maintain public order. Exempted from the curfew are law enforcement personnel, emergency and medical staff, residents commuting to and from work within the affected area, and journalists holding official press credentials.

Los Angeles's ICE opposition demonstrations, 11 June 2025 – (Anadolu Ajansı)

Hundreds of security personnel have been deployed from surrounding areas to reinforce the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), with heightened security measures implemented along major thoroughfares and protest zones. These measures were expanded due to incidents during the protests including damage to public property, highway blockades, and arson attacks on vehicles.

Actions in New York and Other Cities

The protests in Los Angeles have spread across the United States. On 10 June 2025, thousands gathered in Foley Square in Lower Manhattan, New York, to protest the practices of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Demonstrators carrying signs reading “Break Up ICE” and “ICE Out of New York” blocked roads around Federal Plaza. As evening progressed and tensions escalated, clashes erupted between police and demonstrators; protesters threw water bottles and other objects, while police responded with pepper spray. At least 65 people were arrested during these protests and face charges of disturbing the peace.

New York's ICE opposition protests, 11 June 2025 – (Anadolu Ajansı)

The demonstrations in New York occurred simultaneously with similar actions in other major cities including San Francisco, Seattle, and Chicago. The common theme of these protests was to express public opposition to ICE practices and the detention of undocumented migrants.

UNDER REVIEW

Dispute Over the Authority of the National Guard and Judicial Ruling (13 June 2025)

On 13 June 2025, a federal judge in the United States ruled that the National Guard units deployed in Los Angeles must be placed under the authority of the California State Governor. The ruling was issued on the grounds that units operating under the direct command of President Donald Trump had violated legal procedures and infringed upon the powers of state government.

Los Angeles's security forces intervening in the "No Kings" protest, 15 June 2025 – (Anadolu Ajansı)

In the ruling issued by Judge Stephen Breyer, it was stated that the federal government’s deployment of these units without the approval of California Governor Gavin Newsom constituted an “illegal transfer of control.” The ruling further noted that this practice could set a “dangerous precedent for future domestic security operations.”

Los Angeles's security forces at the "No Kings" protest, 15 June 2025 – (Anadolu Ajansı)

Following the ruling, Governor Gavin Newsom announced in a press conference that he would order the National Guard units to return to their original posts and resume operations under state authority. Newsom confirmed that the units would once again come under his command. In response, the Trump administration filed an objection to the ruling and appealed the case to the Court of Appeals. The U.S. Court of Appeals temporarily suspended the enforcement of the ruling and declared that the National Guard’s current status would be maintained until a final decision is reached.

Federal Directive on Deportation Practices (13 June 2025)

On 13 June 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a new directive expanding the scope of operations conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The directive took effect through a written notice sent to ICE and officials of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Under the new regulation, deportation proceedings will be accelerated, inspections will be increased, and targeted operations will be conducted in specific states. Additional personnel deployments are planned particularly in California, Illinois, Texas, New York, and Florida. In a statement, the Director of ICE stated that “the process of identifying and processing individuals who entered the country illegally has been accelerated nationwide.”

The Trump administration announced that temporary detention centers may be activated under this directive. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem affirmed that deportation procedures would be carried out in full compliance with federal law. Officials stated that special protocols would be applied for children, sick individuals, and vulnerable groups.

This expansion of immigration enforcement was announced as part of the Trump administration’s broader security agenda planned for the summer of 2025. On 15 June, ICE submitted a request for additional funding to deploy extra field personnel across the country.

"No Kings" Protests and Nationwide Demonstrations (15 June 2025)

On 15 June 2025, millions of people across the United States participated in demonstrations under the banner of “No Kings Day” to protest the administration of President Donald Trump. The protests were organized to coincide with Trump’s 79th birthday and the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army.

"No Kings" protest in Los Angeles, 15 June 2025 – (Anadolu Ajansı)

The actions spread to all 50 states and were held simultaneously in over 2,000 locations. The demonstration in Philadelphia, attended by more than 100,000 people, was among the largest. Protesters denounced the deployment of military forces to Los Angeles, immigration policies, federal budget cuts, and foreign policy decisions.

Demonstrators carried banners reading “History Is Watching,” “We Stand With Democracy,” and “No Kings,” and large crowds marched in major cities including Chicago, New York, San Francisco, and Atlanta. Protesters gathered in front of the White House chanted slogans demanding President Trump’s resignation.

In Washington D.C., no protests were organized against Trump’s planned military parade; instead, the “No Kings” movement focused on expanding its civil protest campaign nationwide. The movement stated that its decision was intended “not to draw attention to a show of force, but to amplify the collective public response.”

Weekend Security Measures and New Deployments (14–15 June 2025)

In response to heightened security concerns following the “No Kings” protests, various states implemented extraordinary measures. Federal and state authorities, based on intelligence indicating the likelihood of new mass demonstrations over the weekend, increased the deployment of military and law enforcement personnel.

ICE opposition protests in Los Angeles, 12 June 2025 – (Anadolu Ajansı)

Texas state officials announced that at least 7,000 military and law enforcement personnel had been deployed across eight cities, including Austin and Dallas, ahead of anticipated protests. A significant portion of these personnel were from National Guard units and were stationed around key public buildings.

The Texas Governor stated that the measures were not directed against the protests themselves but aimed at preventing potential breaches of public order during the demonstrations. In cities such as Houston and San Antonio, access to certain federal buildings was temporarily restricted and vehicle traffic along protest routes was limited.

In Los Angeles, in anticipation that protests would continue despite a curfew, the LAPD and National Guard units established new checkpoints. A broad security perimeter was created around the Civic Center, Little Tokyo, and Downtown areas, and the number of units on duty in the region was increased.

ICE opposition protests in Los Angeles, 12 June 2025 – (Anadolu Ajansı)

Approximately 20,000 people participated in a protest march in Chicago on 14 June. Demonstrators gathered in Grant Park and chanted slogans against ICE policies before marching along Michigan Avenue. The Chicago Police Department reported no unusual incidents during the protests and described them as largely peaceful.

Protests were also anticipated in several southern cities; preventive patrols were intensified in states such as Georgia, Arizona, and Florida. The areas surrounding federal immigration offices in Miami and Phoenix were enclosed with temporary security barriers. National Guard units in the Washington D.C. region were placed on heightened alert.

The U.S. Department of Defense announced that approximately 30,000 military personnel were kept on standby between 14 and 15 June due to the expected concentration of protests. This figure represents one of the largest deployments under internal security protocols since 2025.

Relaxation of the Curfew

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced in a written statement on 16 June 2025 that changes had been made to the curfew implemented across the city. The previous nightly curfew, which had been in effect daily from 20:00 to 06:00, has now been adjusted to run from 22:00 to 06:00.

Los Angeles's security forces on duty during protests supporting irregular migrants, 13 June 2025 – (Anadolu Agency)

City officials stated that the adjustment to curfew hours was made following the peaceful night of 15 June Sunday in the city center. It was noted that the curfew applied only to a roughly 2.5 square kilometer area in the city center where protests had been most intense. Marches gatherings and unauthorized outdoor activities in the designated area remain prohibited under the curfew.

The statement issued by the Mayor’s Office emphasized that the curfew was intended to maintain public order and that the previous implementation had “largely prevented damage to stores restaurants and residential areas.” No specific date has been provided for the complete lifting of the curfew.

Security units remain active in areas of the city where protests continue and the Los Angeles Police Department along with National Guard units are conducting patrol operations at designated security points. It was announced that enforcement of the curfew will be intensified during nighttime hours following the new adjustment.

Court of Appeals Ruling

On 20 June 2025 the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit overturned a lower court decision that had sought to transfer control of National Guard units based in Los Angeles to the California State Governor’s Office. The appellate panel ruled that President Donald Trump’s decision to federalize the units was legally grounded and fell within the scope of constitutional authority.

The ruling acknowledged that presidential powers are not unlimited but found that the Trump administration had presented sufficient evidence regarding incidents of damage and violent acts targeting federal buildings during protests. Based on this reasoning the court concluded that it was appropriate for the federal government to retain control of the National Guard to ensure public order and the security of property.

The court also noted that the failure to notify California Governor Gavin Newsom did not limit the president’s authority to issue orders. Following the ruling President Trump stated on Truth Social that he welcomed the decision and that it would “contribute to the protection of law-abiding Americans.” Governor Newsom in his response to the ruling stated that his administration would continue to oppose Trump’s use of military power against civilians.

Partial Withdrawal of National Guard Units (July 15, 2025)

On July 15, 2025, the United States Department of Defense (Pentagon) announced that a portion of the National Guard units deployed in Los Angeles would be withdrawn from their posts. According to a statement by Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, approximately 2,000 soldiers, representing half of the roughly 4,000-person force, will return to their home bases.

The statement indicated that the majority of the withdrawn units have been redirected to bases outside California. However, specific units responsible for security around federal buildings in the city will continue their duties. The Department of Defense confirmed that the remaining forces will continue their operations at security checkpoints in Los Angeles.

The Pentagon’s decision cited the completion of the units’ field missions. The statement emphasized that the National Guard does not conduct direct law enforcement activities and that their role is limited to ensuring the security of federal personnel.

The Los Angeles Police Department, the California State Police, and federal security agencies continue to carry out their duties in the city. No further announcements have been made regarding changes to local security protocols following the withdrawal decision.