Self-driving cars are burning, freeways are blocked, and the President sent troops. Welcome to LA, where tacos and tear gas go hand-in-hand.
- ICE raided LA on June 6, detained 40+ undocumented immigrants
- Mass protests followed, with 101 Freeway completely blocked
- Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops — without state approval
- California’s Governor and LA’s Mayor called the move illegal
- Over 100 arrests, Waymo cars set on fire, and TikTok exploded
- Marines placed on standby at Camp Pendleton
- California is preparing to sue the federal government
1. How Did All This Start?
On June 6, ICE agents carried out a surprise immigration raid in Los Angeles. More than 40 people were detained across neighborhoods like Boyle Heights, Compton, and East LA. By afternoon, protestors hit the streets, calling the raids unjust and demanding their release.
The protests quickly turned aggressive. Bottles were thrown, streets were blocked, and riot gear came out.
2. The Freeway Protest Heard Around the World
L.A. protests took a wild turn when demonstrators blocked the 101 Freeway, one of the city’s main highways. Cars were parked sideways, people danced on rooftops, and livestreams went viral.
Some protestors even set fire to a self-driving Waymo taxi, making it the unofficial mascot of the chaos. Robo-taxis might be the future, but they weren’t ready for LA’s present.
3. Trump Sends in the Troops
Seeing the situation spiral, President Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to L.A. — without getting approval from California Governor Gavin Newsom.
He also passed an executive order banning face masks at protests, claiming “lawful citizens don’t hide.”
Critics say this is a misuse of power; Trump supporters call it “strong leadership.” Either way, boots are on the ground.
4. Newsom and Bass Clap Back
Governor Newsom wasn’t having it. He slammed the move as “an illegal federal invasion” and announced a lawsuit against the federal government.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass added, “We don’t need Washington’s tanks to handle our protests.”
Legal experts say this is a rare case. The last time a President sent National Guard troops to California without state permission was in 1965 — during the Watts riots.
5. Marines on Standby – Seriously?
Things escalated further when the Defense Department revealed that 500 U.S. Marines at Camp Pendleton were placed on 48-hour standby — ready to be deployed if violence continues.
So far, they haven’t been used, but it shows how high tensions have reached.
6. Arrests, Injuries & Property Damage
By June 9, authorities confirmed:
- 100+ arrests
- Several LAPD officers and protestors injured
- Dozens of stores vandalized in downtown and East LA
- Multiple self-driving cars burned
- Emergency services delayed in multiple neighborhoods
It’s one of the largest civil disruptions LA has seen in recent years.
7. What People Are Asking (Your Viral Questions Answered)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the 101 Freeway open? | Yes, partially. Cleanup still ongoing. |
| Are Marines really coming? | On standby. Not deployed yet. |
| Can you wear masks at protests? | Technically banned federally, but CA says it’s illegal. Expect lawsuits. |
| Any deaths reported? | No, but several critical injuries. |
| How long will troops stay? | No deadline given. Depends on protest activity. |
8. Social Media Went Nuclear
TikTok, X (Twitter), and Instagram were flooded with dramatic clips — from peaceful marches to flaming Waymo cars. One video of a protester dancing on a burning taxi got 10M+ views overnight.
9. The Political Fallout: 2025 Election Drama Begins
This protest is now center stage in the 2025 presidential race. Trump is doubling down on immigration enforcement and military presence. Democrats are using it to warn of “creeping authoritarianism.”
Meanwhile, immigrant advocacy groups are organizing a mega-march next week named “Día de Dignidad” (Day of Dignity).
10. What’s Next for L.A.?
- Court battles between California and the federal government
- Bigger protests expected this weekend
- National Guard may expand, depending on crowd control
- Marines may deploy, if federal officials request
- Immigration debate reignites, with new attention on sanctuary cities
When LA Protests, It Does It Hollywood Style
Only in LA do you find fire, fashion, freeway shutdowns, and federal troops all in the same 48 hours. It’s a mix of civil unrest, immigrant rights, political theater — and yes, TikTok fame.
As California prepares to fight this battle in court, the rest of the nation watches closely. Will it lead to real reform or just more headlines?
Stay tuned. The sequel is just getting started.
