Downtown Los Angeles descended into chaos Sunday night as protesters clashed with National Guard troops following days of escalating tensions over Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. The Los Angeles Police Department declared the entire downtown area an "unlawful assembly" amid reports of property damage and confrontations.
The unrest stems from ICE operations launched across Southern California on June 6, which resulted in over 100 arrests. Community organizations claim the raids targeted predominantly Latino neighborhoods, sparking widespread outcry over immigration enforcement practices.
Businesses near Pershing Square reported boarded-up storefronts as armored vehicles patrolled streets typically bustling with cultural festivals and tourism. The deployment marks the first use of National Guard personnel in an urban US protest response since 2020.
While authorities emphasize restoring order, civil rights groups warn the situation highlights deepening societal fractures. "This isn't just about immigration policy," said local activist Maria Gonzalez. "It's about how communities perceive fairness in governance."
Analysts note the developments could impact California's economic landscape, with the state accounting for 14% of US GDP. The protests coincide with crucial APEC trade discussions involving Asian markets.
