On Friday, June 6, 2025, hundreds of protesters gathered in downtown Los Angeles to voice their outrage over recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. In response, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) declared the assembly unlawful and issued a dispersal order to control the growing crowd.
The ICE operations earlier that day targeted multiple locations across the city, including two Home Depot stores, a doughnut shop, and a clothing wholesaler in the Fashion District. At least 45 individuals were detained during these raids, sparking swift condemnation from immigrant rights groups. Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), called the raids “a blatant attack on our community,” emphasizing that residents are being “terrorized and targeted without due process.”
Following the raids, protesters gathered outside the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building, waving signs and chanting slogans against the immigration enforcement actions. Though the LAPD does not conduct immigration enforcement, officers were called to manage the large demonstration and maintain public order.
By early evening, the LAPD issued a formal dispersal order, declaring the protest an unlawful assembly and warning that failure to comply could result in arrest. Despite this, many protesters remained, leading to clashes with law enforcement. Tactical federal agents employed pepper spray, smoke grenades, and less-lethal weapons to break up the crowd. Among those injured was SEIU California President David Huerta, who was also detained for allegedly obstructing federal officers during the raids.
Local leaders quickly condemned the ICE operations. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass described the raids as “cruel and chaotic,” while California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized them as “harmful to immigrant families and communities.” Both officials pledged support for those affected, promising collaboration with immigrant advocacy organizations to provide legal aid and resources.
The LAPD reiterated its longstanding policy of not participating in civil immigration enforcement, stressing its commitment to serve and protect all residents regardless of immigration status. A department spokesperson assured the community that “calls for help will be met with assistance, not fear.”
As tensions continue, concerns grow over the broader impact of ICE’s aggressive tactics on immigrant communities in Los Angeles and across California. Advocacy groups warn that such raids create a climate of fear and discourage community cooperation with local law enforcement, ultimately undermining public safety.
The situation remains fluid, with protests expected to continue in the coming days as activists call for an end to deportations and demand greater protections for immigrant residents.
