Violent protests broke out in Los Angeles after US immigration agents raided areas populated by undocumented migrants. The situation turned chaotic as demonstrators clashed with federal authorities, prompting President Donald Trump to deploy over 2,000 National Guardsmen to control the unrest. Trump’s border security adviser Tom Homan told Fox News, “We are making Los Angeles safer.” He pointed to the recent raids as a necessary step in law enforcement.
Tear Gas and Mass Arrests in Paramount
In the city’s Paramount district, where most residents are Latino, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents faced resistance from locals. Videos online show officers using batons and tear gas to break up crowds.
According to NBC News, ICE has made at least 118 arrests in Los Angeles this week, with 44 people detained on Friday alone.
The U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California confirmed that more than a dozen individuals were arrested following confrontations between protesters and federal agents.
Take a look at the media’s new “mostly peaceful” protests in LA. pic.twitter.com/iVWp3ULmxl
— Justin T. Haskins (@JustinTHaskins) June 8, 2025
Homan Warns State Leaders Could Face Arrest
Speaking to NBC, Homan defended the National Guard deployment. He argued that Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass could face legal consequences if they interfere with federal operations.
“President Trump is deploying the National Guard because they’re going to support our law enforcement efforts here that will help protect public safety,” Homan said.
Newsom Criticizes Federal Action
In response, Governor Newsom condemned the raids as “cruel” and accused the Trump administration of trying to create a “spectacle” to stir public tension. He said the chaotic arrests were designed to escalate unrest rather than maintain order.
However, Homan fired back at Newsom’s criticism. “Help us take these criminals off the street. Stop applauding the protesters and support law enforcement,” he said. “Gov. Newsom should be on the phone thanking President Trump for making a state safer.”
Homan Accuses Local Leaders of Harboring Criminals
Homan warned that neither Newsom nor Mayor Bass are above the law. He accused them of turning Los Angeles into a “sanctuary for criminals.” He stated, “It’s a felony to knowingly harbour and conceal an illegal alien. It’s a felony to impede law enforcement from doing their job.” During his Fox News appearance, Homan claimed ICE had detained “around 150” undocumented migrants over the last two days, though that number is higher than official reports.
Shocking scenes in Los Angeles as rioters set fire to the streets; vandalize vehicles to protest against deportations of illegal aliens.
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) June 8, 2025
pic.twitter.com/p9yfgOhnMm
Situation Remains Unresolved
While protests continue and tensions stay high, it remains unclear how long the unrest will last. Federal agents and National Guard troops remain in place as officials monitor the volatile situation in Los Angeles.