On Sunday, President Trump issued a directive for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), National Guard, and Justice Department to employ all necessary measures to restore order amid escalating riots in downtown Los Angeles.
The unrest ignited on Friday night following lawful raids conducted by ICE agents across multiple businesses in Los Angeles.
Federal agents executed these raids, resulting in the apprehension of undocumented individuals.
In response, demonstrators, including those opposed to ICE, resorted to setting vehicles ablaze and clashing with federal law enforcement.
OVERNIGHT IN LA: Low IQ Illegal Aliens light themselves on FIRE after dousing Jeep with gasoline and lighting it.
Do you feel bad for these guys?
via @iAnonPatriot pic.twitter.com/4OyDaSZiMG
— Publius (@OcrazioCornPop) June 8, 2025
Protesters, waving Mexican flags, confronted law enforcement and set off fireworks next to a vehicle they had previously ignited.
HAPPENING NOW: Protesters celebrate pushing police back, by lighting fireworks near the car they set on fire earlier.
Compton, CA pic.twitter.com/kB9yCfi1F4
— Anthony (@AnthonyCabassa_) June 8, 2025
By Sunday afternoon, tens of thousands gathered in Los Angeles to voice their opposition to ICE’s actions.
WATCH:
HAPPENING NOW: There are currently tens of thousands of protestors marching through the streets of Los Angeles to protest ICE raids.
Hearing a citywide LAPD tactical alert has just been issued.
Los Angeles, CA pic.twitter.com/ss9P9heF3l
— Anthony (@AnthonyCabassa_) June 8, 2025
In a bold proclamation, President Trump called upon federal agencies to “take any action necessary” to rid Los Angeles of what he termed “illegal alien invaders.”
“Los Angeles, once a beacon of American greatness, now finds itself besieged by undocumented immigrants and criminal elements. Violent, insurrectionist groups are attacking our federal agents to thwart our deportation efforts. However, these lawless riots only bolster our determination. I am instructing Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Attorney General Pam Bondi, along with all relevant Departments and Agencies, to take comprehensive action to reclaim Los Angeles from this migrant incursion and to quell these riots. Order will be restored, illegal immigrants will be removed, and Los Angeles will be liberated. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter!” Trump stated on Truth Social Sunday afternoon.