ICE Raids in LA Lead to Protests, Tensions

On June 6, 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted raids at various sites in Los Angeles, including businesses in the Fashion District and Westlake, detaining at least 44 individuals. The operations triggered citywide protests, with demonstrators gathering outside detention centers and federal buildings to demand the release of detainees. Tensions escalated when some protesters threw concrete at police, leading the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) to declare an unlawful assembly and deploy tear gas, pepper spray, and flash-bang grenades to disperse the crowds. LAPD reiterated its role was limited to crowd control and not immigration enforcement. Elected officials and advocacy groups condemned the raids, describing them as cruel and disruptive, while immigrant rights organizations suggested the true number of arrests was higher than ICE confirmed. The incident underscored persistent divisions over immigration policy and law enforcement tactics in Los Angeles.