Waymo Suspends Los Angeles Service After Multiple Self-Driving Cars Set Ablaze During Immigration Protests

Protests erupted in Los Angeles following immigration raids conducted by ICE, leading to violent clashes between residents, police, and National Guard troops deployed by President Donald Trump. Amid the unrest, at least five Waymo autonomous vehicles and several Lime e-scooters were vandalized and set on fire in downtown LA, prompting the LAPD to request Waymo suspend its services in the area for safety reasons. The protests have involved attempts to block highways and attacks on law enforcement with fireworks and rocks, leading to numerous arrests. Concern has been raised over the dangers posed by burning electric vehicle batteries, which release toxic gases, causing additional hazards for nearby residents and first responders. The attacks on Waymo vehicles may be partly motivated by the company's past cooperation with police investigations, although no direct link to the protests has been confirmed. The situation remains tense with authorities declaring unlawful assembly and protests continuing despite the National Guard's presence.