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LOS ANGELES (BFMG) —Anti-ICE protests entered a third consecutive day Monday as unrest continues to mount across Los Angeles in response to a federal immigration operation that began June 6 and resulted in the arrest of at least 44 people.
The protests began near a Home Depot in the Westlake neighborhood and have since spread to downtown and surrounding communities, including Paramount and Compton. Demonstrators have gathered in opposition to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity they describe as aggressive and inhumane.
Over the weekend, tensions escalated into violent confrontations. Authorities deployed tear gas, flash-bang devices, smoke bombs, pepper balls and rubber bullets to disperse crowds. Protesters reportedly hurled rocks, concrete chunks, glass bottles and fireworks at federal agents. Several demonstrators and law enforcement officers were injured in the clashes. Officials also reported property damage and a small vehicle fire in Paramount.
In a move drawing sharp criticism from California officials, President Donald Trump invoked Title 10 authority to federalize the California National Guard, sending 2,000 troops into Los Angeles without Governor Gavin Newsom’s consent. It is one of the rare instances in recent history of a president deploying military forces over the objection of a sitting governor.
Newsom condemned the action as “purposefully inflammatory,” warning it would worsen already heightened tensions. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called the deployment a “chaotic escalation.”
Despite the military presence, protests persisted Sunday, including a large gathering outside Los Angeles City Hall and several smaller demonstrations in nearby neighborhoods. Federal officials have deemed the protests unlawful and authorized the continued use of crowd-control measures.
As of Monday, at least 27 protesters and several law enforcement officers have been reported injured. Nearly 100 individuals have been arrested since the protests began. Federal and local authorities maintain a heavy presence across key areas in the city and have indicated more resources may be deployed if unrest continues.
Demonstrators say they plan to keep protesting until ICE operations are halted and immigrant protections are expanded. City leaders have urged peaceful assembly and warned that further acts of violence or obstruction will lead to arrest and prosecution.
