California is burning again—and it didn’t take long! Just over five months ago, wildfires raged, and Governor Newsom struggled to manage the crisis. Mayor Bass faced similar challenges with the LA wildfires. The Democratic Party’s leadership is on full display with each disaster.
The Los Angeles Protests of 2025: A City in Turmoil
In June 2025, Los Angeles erupted in protests after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid to service criminal warrants based on a large criminal conspiracy ICE is/was investigating. The investigation related to:
• Money laundering.
• Tax evasion.
• Customs fraud.
• A company that under-declared over $80 million in goods and failed to pay $17 million in fees.
• A larger conspiracy involving numerous businesses potentially laundering money in Mexico and Colombia.
What Has Happened
On June 6, protests began peacefully but turned violent, with clashes near the Federal Building and 101 Freeway. Protesters burned Waymo cars, looted businesses, and threw rocks, while LAPD used tear gas and rubber bullets. Over 100 arrests occurred, including union leader David Huerta. President Trump federalized the California National Guard, deploying 2,000 troops, followed by 2,000 more and 700 Marines by June 9, costing $134 million. Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass condemned the move, with Newsom suing the Trump administration for violating state sovereignty.
What Is Happening Now
As of June 10, protests continue but are less violent, with a peaceful City Hall rally. Sporadic looting persists, and 4,000 Guard troops and 700 Marines remain deployed. Newsom added 800 local officers, insisting they suffice. California’s lawsuit challenges the federal troop deployment, while immigrant communities face ongoing tension and businesses suffer losses.
Anticipated Outcomes
If peaceful protests continue and ICE raids ease, unrest may subside. The lawsuit’s outcome could limit federal overreach or embolden further interventions, possibly via the Insurrection Act. Politically, the divide deepens, with Democrats decrying Trump’s tactics and Republicans framing protesters as “insurrectionists.” LA’s Latino communities may demand aid to recover, and the protests could spark immigration reform debates or stricter enforcement.
