Los Angeles, CA – June 6, 2025 – Tensions erupted in downtown Los Angeles today as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducted a series of high-profile immigration enforcement operations, targeting multiple businesses in the city’s Garment District and other areas. The raids, part of an intensified crackdown under the Trump administration, sparked immediate backlash from local residents, with crowds hurling objects, shouting insults, and gesturing defiantly at federal authorities. The volatile scenes escalated further when agents deployed flash-bang grenades to disperse the growing protests.
Videos circulating on social media captured the chaotic standoffs, showing federal agents in riot gear detaining workers at a clothing store in the Garment District as dozens of onlookers gathered, chanting “Shame!” and hurling eggs at agents and their vehicles. In one particularly tense moment near the intersection of Towne Avenue and 10th Street, a crowd surrounded federal vehicles, prompting ICE agents to deploy flash-bang grenades to clear a path for their exit. “The demonstrators became unruly, and less lethal noise flash diversionary devices were deployed to allow law enforcement to exit the scene as safely as possible,” said Yasmeen Pitts O’Keefe, a spokesperson for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), a branch of ICE.
The operations also drew the attention of the FBI, with reports indicating that agents arrived to reinforce ICE after a business owner reportedly locked agents inside a store to prevent further detentions. Social media posts described the situation as spiraling into a “riot,” with crowds refusing to let federal vehicles leave, chanting slogans, and accusing agents of being “fascists.” One post noted, “Angelenos are pushing the feds out!” as community members rallied to disrupt the raids.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass condemned the raids, stating, “These tactics sow terror in our communities and disrupt basic principles of safety in our city. As Mayor of a proud city of immigrants, I am deeply angered by what has taken place.” She emphasized that her office is coordinating with immigrant rights organizations to address the fallout. Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell and Sheriff Robert Luna clarified that local law enforcement was not involved, with McDonnell stating, “The LAPD is not involved in civil immigration enforcement, and we will not assist or participate in any sort of mass deportations.”
The raids are part of a broader federal initiative under President Trump’s second term, with ICE reporting over 50,000 detentions nationwide since January, a significant increase from earlier averages. White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller has reportedly pushed for at least 3,000 arrests daily, focusing on individuals without legal status or with pending removal orders. Community activists, including the Community Self-Defense Coalition, have vowed to continue resisting, with member Ron Gochez stating, “We will call people to surround the place and stop them,” as they patrol neighborhoods to alert residents of ICE activity.
The deployment of flash-bang grenades and the heavy-handed tactics have drawn sharp criticism from local leaders. As Los Angeles braces for potential further operations, the city’s immigrant communities remain on edge, with advocacy groups urging residents to know their rights and report ICE sightings to protect vulnerable populations.
