Los Angeles in Turmoil as Immigration Protests Escalate into Riots

By Bella Balisi-Bevilacqua

Burnaby, BC, CA – Los Angeles is once again at the center of unrest as immigration protests over recent ICE raids have escalated into violent clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement. The protests, which began on June 6, 2025, have led to mass arrests, property damage, and a heavy military presence, drawing comparisons to the 1992 LA Riots.

The demonstrations erupted after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted sweeping raids across Los Angeles, detaining over 120 individuals suspected of immigration violations. Protesters, including immigrant rights activists, took to the streets, demanding an end to mass deportations and federal immigration crackdowns. However, tensions escalated when **National Guard troops and Marines** were deployed to control the crowds, leading to violent confrontations.  

Experts note that the racial and socio-economic disparities fueling the protests mirror the conditions that led to the 1992 LA Riots following the acquittal of officers involved in the Rodney King beating. Protesters argue that the targeting of immigrant communities reflects systemic injustices, with many fearing that the militarization of law enforcement will further suppress civil rights.  

The California government, led by Governor Gavin Newsom, has sued the Trump administration, arguing that the deployment of federal troops was unconstitutional and an abuse of power. Meanwhile, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has condemned the use of force, calling for peaceful resolutions and policy reforms to address immigration concerns.  

Despite efforts to de-escalate the situation, violent clashes continue, with protesters blocking highways, setting vehicles on fire, and facing off against heavily armed officers. The future of immigration policy in the U.S. remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Los Angeles has once again become a battleground for civil rights and justice.  (MBB)

(With files and additional information from CBC News, CTV News, Global News Canada, NBC News, and People.)