[Text/Observer Network Xiong Chaoyi] The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other agencies launched a tough raid operation targeting illegal immigrants starting June 6 local time, resulting in continuous protests and demonstrations in Los Angeles, California, with the situation escalating. American media reported that on June 8 local time, there were occasional gunshots in Los Angeles, and law enforcement officers continuously fired tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters.

Comprehensive reports from CNN, The Hill, and others stated that President Trump told reporters before boarding Air Force One on the same day that he would visit Camp David, his presidential retreat in Maryland, to meet with military leaders and other officials. Trump did not rule out invoking the Insurrection Act (which allows the deployment of troops domestically), stating that "it depends on whether there is an insurrection," and indicated that the current protests against immigration raids were not yet "insurrectionary."

"We are going to Camp David to meet with different people about very significant issues. We will meet many people, as you know, including generals and admirals." Trump did not disclose the specific content of the talks or whether any foreign officials would participate.

Late that evening, Trump posted on his self-created social media platform, Truth Social: "Los Angeles, once a glorious American city, has been invaded and occupied by illegal immigrants and criminals. Violent, insurrectionist mobs are attacking our federal agents en masse, attempting to stop our deportation actions."

"These lawless riots will only strengthen our determination. I have instructed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Defense Secretary Pete Hegtseith, and Attorney General Pam Bondy to coordinate with all other relevant departments and agencies to take all necessary actions to liberate Los Angeles from the immigrant invasion and end these immigrant riots." He warned that those who illegally enter the United States "will be deported."

President Trump speaks to reporters before boarding Air Force One on June 8. CNN

On June 6 local time, ICE and other U.S. federal agencies deployed large numbers of law enforcement personnel to carry out enforcement actions targeting illegal immigrants in multiple locations across Los Angeles, arresting 44 people, triggering numerous street confrontations, chaos, and conflicts. Over two consecutive days, protesters held demonstrations in Los Angeles. It was reported that more than 1,000 people surrounded and attacked a building housing a federal agency, and clashes broke out with the police. By July 7, 45 people had been arrested.

On June 7 local time, White House Press Secretary Levet issued a statement saying that Trump had signed a memorandum authorizing the deployment of 2,000 National Guard members to Los Angeles. U.S. Defense Secretary Hegtseith immediately responded, stating that if violence continued, active-duty Marines would also be mobilized.

In the morning of June 8 local time, Hegtseith reiterated that Marines were ready to deploy to Los Angeles if necessary. However, Trump's move to deploy the National Guard drew criticism from California leaders, who considered it unnecessary and risky, potentially exacerbating the chaos.

The Hill pointed out that under U.S. law, the military is usually prohibited from participating in domestic law enforcement actions, and invoking the Insurrection Act is seen as a potential way around this restriction. Now, Trump has taken the rare step of federalizing the California National Guard and sending them to Los Angeles, effectively bypassing the governor of California, Newsom, who typically has command over the state's armed forces.

Governor Newsom of California (archive photo) IC Photo

In response, Newsom, who has long been at odds with Trump, posted several tweets on the social media platform X on June 7: "The federal government is taking over the California National Guard and deploying 2,000 soldiers in Los Angeles—not because of insufficient law enforcement resources, but because they want to put on a show. Don't let them succeed. Never resort to violence. Speak peacefully."

Newsom accused Trump's move of being aimed at creating a crisis rather than meeting actual needs. He emphasized that Trump was trying to use "chaos" to justify greater suppression, incite more panic, and strengthen control. Later, he wrote: "Secretary of Defense (Hegtseith) now threatens to mobilize active-duty Marines within the United States to face their own citizens. This is madness."

On June 8 local time, Newsom called on protesters on the X platform to continue speaking out "loudly" but "peacefully." "Don't give Donald Trump what he wants," he urged: "Do not resort to violence, respect the law enforcement officers who are doing their utmost to maintain peace."

Protesters throw incendiary devices at police vehicles in Los Angeles on June 7. Reuters

An ICE enforcement vehicle spray-painted with slogans by protesters Social Media

Meanwhile, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also reiterated the right of demonstrators to protest but warned them against using violence and causing property damage. "We will always protect the constitutional rights of Angelenos to peacefully protest," Bass said: "However, our city will not tolerate violence and destruction. Those responsible will be held fully accountable."

In an interview with ABC7 the previous night, Bass said that the Los Angeles authorities had the ability to control the protests throughout the city without the involvement of the National Guard. "I don't think it's necessary, because I believe that the LAPD and other law enforcement agencies can handle matters in Los Angeles."

"I certainly oppose the view that says neither my office nor the governor can do our jobs. We have always worked closely together, and I have maintained close communication and cooperation with representatives from the White House. Therefore, I oppose this view, and I believe we can manage the situation and deal with what is happening here," Bass said.

In response to Bass's remarks, the Department of Homeland Security expressed through its official X account that Bass was continuing to protect violent rioters and criminal illegal foreigners, sacrificing the safety of American citizens and communities, which was "repugnant." "If leaders in Los Angeles do not act, Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem will restore law and order in Los Angeles." The post read.

According to reports, on June 8 local time at noon, dozens of protesters clashed with National Guard personnel stationed near the federal law enforcement agencies in downtown Los Angeles. National Guard personnel continuously fired tear gas to disperse the crowd, but the number of protesters kept increasing.

As time went on, the conflict between protesters and law enforcement personnel escalated further.

On June 8 local time, NBC reported that in the afternoon, protesters near the Edward Roybal Federal Building temporarily blocked traffic on Highway 101 in downtown Los Angeles. When the police tried to regain control, the protesters moved onto the southbound lanes via the ramps.

Protesters surrounded police officers arriving in SUVs, while crowds gathered at three major intersections in the area. Meanwhile, police opened fire in the downtown area, with the sound of non-lethal ammunition (rubber bullets) fired at protesters echoing between high-rise buildings near the federal building, enveloping the entire scene in a tense atmosphere.

Law enforcement officers fire non-lethal weapons at protesters on site NBC

The report stated that despite the police declaring the gathering illegal and authorizing arrests for anyone throwing objects at officers, protesters continued to gather in downtown Los Angeles that day. Additionally, National Guard personnel and other law enforcement officers used tear gas and other materials against the crowd.

A witness said that during the demonstration, a man climbed over a railing to peek at the scene, only to be hit in the nose by a rubber bullet fired by the police. Dario DeLeon, 29, said that an officer raised his rifle and shot at the man, who had a 4-inch deep laceration that injured his bone.

"This was definitely targeted, because you can see that every tear gas canister was intentionally fired into the air. This was the first projectile directly aimed at us, striking him right in the face," DeLeon said.

The reporter from Xinhua News Agency present at the scene also had his arm hit by a tear gas canister, and the photographer sustained a red, swollen wound on his left leg from a rubber bullet.

The reporter from Xinhua News Agency saw on the scene that during the conflict, National Guard personnel fired tear gas and rubber bullets to try to disperse the protesting crowd, but the number of protesters increased from initially dozens to over 200. Protesters were emotionally charged, constantly loudly criticizing the National Guard and the police. Some protesters threw water bottles and stones at the National Guard personnel, while others picked up the tear gas canisters and threw them back.

Protesters on the scene said that they were all hardworking residents of the local community, hoping to express their opinions peacefully, but "does the Trump administration really need to send military personnel to deal with us?"

Downtown Los Angeles, June 8, 2025. After the immigration raid protests on the evening of July 7, protesters confronted the police. Visual China

On June 8, President Trump posted on Truth Social, stating that he would no longer tolerate "agitators" and "troublemakers" at the protests in Los Angeles. He also announced that he would ban protesters from wearing masks (face shields). He asked, "What are these people hiding, and why are they doing this???"

CNN reported that Todd Lyons, acting director of ICE, recently stated that staff were allowed to wear masks during operations to protect their families.

Downtown Los Angeles, June 8, 2025. After the immigration raid protests on the evening of July 7, protesters confronted the police. Visual China

Besides the West Coast in California, New York on the East Coast also followed suit. The New York Post reported that on June 7, nearly 150 protesters attempted to block U.S. federal authorities' raid search of immigrants in Lower Manhattan, sparking clashes with police, with more than 20 arrested.

Reportedly, angry masked demonstrators shouted "scumbags" at the police, and some sat in the road, throwing objects at an unmarked white vehicle leaving the location of the U.S. Immigration Court, temporarily blocking traffic. However, the police eventually allowed the vehicle to leave. Video showed that after the vehicle drove away, the scene remained chaotic, with nearly 40 NYPD and federal police clashing with protesters.

Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Homeland Security, praised the swift response of the police after "thugs" interfered with the enforcement actions of ICE.

In a statement provided to The New York Post, McLaughlin said that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem made it clear to the "thugs": "You will not stop us, nor will you slow down our enforcement actions against illegal immigrants."

This article is an exclusive contribution from Observer Network and cannot be reprinted without permission.

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7513750581295465000/

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