LA Protests: Waymo Cars Torched, Trump Sends Guard

During anti-ICE protests in downtown Los Angeles, violent clashes broke out between demonstrators and law enforcement, leading to multiple arrests and the declaration of unlawful assemblies. Protesters blocked major roads, including the 101 Freeway, and vandalized property, notably setting several Waymo autonomous vehicles on fire, with damages estimated between $750,000 and $1 million. The burning of the electric vehicles raised concerns about toxic lithium-ion battery fumes, prompting warnings from both the LAPD and Los Angeles Fire Department. In response to escalating violence, President Donald Trump deployed 2,000 National Guardsmen to protect federal assets, marking the first federal deployment without state approval since 1965, while 500 Marines remained on standby. Waymo stated it was cooperating with authorities and found no evidence the attacks were directly linked to the protests. The unrest underscores Los Angeles' central role in the national debate over immigration enforcement.