Unrest In Los Angeles As ICE Raids Continue To Spark Protests And Over 575 Are Arrested; National Guard Remains Deployed

By Devin Breitenberg

Tensions hit a critical juncture in Los Angeles this week as large-scale public unrest continues to build in response to aggressive Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. Over 575 arrests have been made in the last three days, and the California National Guard remains deployed amid ongoing clashes.

Dawn Raids Ignite Fury

ICE agents executed coordinated pre-dawn operations across South L.A., Boyle Heights, Koreatown, and the San Fernando Valley. The sweeps, described by federal authorities as part of an enforcement strategy targeting undocumented individuals with deportation orders, resulted in the detention of more than 200 residents—many of whom have no criminal histories. Videos captured during the raids show heavily armed agents breaking into homes using battering rams and flash-bang devices, with distraught children and families swept up in the chaos.

Protests Erupt Across The City

Supporters, legal advocates, and impacted relatives rapidly mobilized in protest. Thousands took to the streets, blockading highways and gathering at key federal facilities, including ICE offices and Union Station. Demonstrations escalated into confrontations as front-line protesters deployed bottles and makeshift barricades, prompting law enforcement to respond with tear gas and rubber bullets. A protest encampment near downtown was forcibly cleared overnight by National Guard forces, deploying armoured vehicles as dozens were detained.

Controversy Mounts Over National Guard Deployment

Governor Gavin Newsom dispatched approximately 1,200 California National Guard members at the request of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. The Guard is currently stationed across critical zones—from downtown L.A. to Westlake and MacArthur Park—to enforce curfews and maintain what officials describe as “order.” However, city council members and community activists argue the military presence exacerbates tensions, warning it transforms the crisis into a crisis of policing itself.

Federal Officials Defend Actions

Despite criticism, Department of Homeland Security representatives defended the raids, citing national security and legal justification. The agency asserts many of those taken into custody had final deportation orders or pending criminal cases. Still, questions regarding the legitimacy of warrants and procedural conduct during the raids are now the subject of emergency federal court injunctions.

A City On Edge

In the aftermath, schools in affected neighbourhoods have shifted to remote instruction. Businesses across Koreatown, Echo Park, and Pacoima report boarded windows and empty sidewalks. Community leaders are organizing volunteer efforts to assist displaced families and detainees. One protester at an L.A. rally stated, "This is about human rights—not politics."

With protests scheduled for the coming week and court battles looming, Los Angeles confronts a critical civil and humanitarian test. While city and state leaders call for peace, many residents say the real path to de-escalation lies in halting ICE actions and prioritizing humane policy responses.

Devin Breitenberg is a legal consultant and senior counsel at Devin Law LLC and legal contributor  for Veritas Expositae.  You can reach her at devin.breitenberg@veritasexpositae.com