Escalation of Protests Against ICE in Los Angeles
By Rhona Tarrant and Layla Ferris
Updated: June 12, 2025
As protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) continue to unfold, Los Angeles has become a focal point of civil unrest, attracting national attention. Over the past six days, demonstrators have gathered to express their opposition to federal immigration policy, leading to over 850 arrests in Los Angeles County alone.
Timeline of Events
The rising tensions are underpinned by a significant military presence in the area. On Wednesday, June 11, approximately 700 Marines completed their training and are expected to be deployed to Los Angeles by Friday. This increasing military involvement has permeated the demonstrations with heightened apprehension. The timeline below illustrates how events have escalated:
| Date / Time | Event |
|---|---|
| June 6, 2025 | Protests erupt in response to ICE raids in downtown Los Angeles. |
| June 7, 2025 | National Guard troops deployed in response to escalating protests. |
| June 8, 2025 | More protests result in confrontations with federal agents and law enforcement in downtown. |
| June 9, 2025 | Governor Newsom announces a lawsuit against the federal government over troops deployment. |
| June 10, 2025 | Additional National Guard troops mobilized as protests continue. |
| June 11, 2025 | Curfew imposed in downtown Los Angeles amid ongoing protests. |
Current Situation
On June 11, Mayor Karen Bass remarked that the first night of the curfew saw “no looting, no violence, no vandalism,” while emphasizing that the daily curfew would remain in effect until further notice. Nonetheless, clashes did occur Wednesday evening when protesters breached curfew, leading to multiple arrests.
The deployment of Marines and National Guard troops has sparked debate regarding the state’s response to federal policies. California Governor Gavin Newsom denounced the federal government’s actions, stating that the assertive troop mobilization amplifies tensions rather than alleviating them. Moving forward, the situation remains fluid, with potential for further developments in response to public sentiment and federal directives.
As the Los Angeles protests continue, the implications of these demonstrations extend beyond local boundaries, resonating across the United States in ongoing discussions about immigration policy and enforcement.
