LA protest: Amid protests against ICE raids, US President Donald Trump on Wednesday claimed credit for averting what he described as an impending disaster in Los Angeles, asserting that his intervention saved the city from destruction.
“If we didn’t do what we did, Los Angeles would be burning to the ground,” Trump said, referring to the deployment of federal forces amid ongoing protests. He labelled the demonstrators “radical left lunatics,” alleging many were “probably paid.”
#WATCH | US President Donald Trump says, "…I am very proud to have helped Los Angeles survive…We didn't do what we did, Los Angeles would be burning to the ground, and that's not over yet…These are radical left lunatics that you're dealing with. They are tough, smart. They… pic.twitter.com/xJFFteWVWk
— ANI (@ANI) June 11, 2025
What do we know about the Los Angeles protest?
A curfew remains in effect in parts of downtown Los Angeles, the LAPD confirmed. Mayor Karen Bass said only a small number of arrests were made on Tuesday night and expressed hope for a peaceful evening ahead. Meanwhile, protests are spreading to major US cities, including New York, Chicago, Austin, and Washington, DC, with more planned throughout the week.
Amid escalating anti-ICE demonstrations in California, US troops have begun detaining migrants entering newly designated national defence zones along the southern border. In a first, three migrants near Santa Teresa, New Mexico, were briefly held by military personnel before being handed over to US Customs and Border Protection, according to Lt. Col. Chad Campbell.
The Trump administration has urged a federal judge to reject California’s request for an emergency order restricting military involvement in domestic operations. As of Wednesday, 700 Marines deployed to Los Angeles were still in training, with no confirmation on when they will begin assisting with crowd control. National Guard troops also remain on standby.
Though the Posse Comitatus Act limits military involvement in civilian law enforcement, the “military purpose doctrine” allows limited engagement, such as temporary detainment, under certain conditions.
Over 1,400 migrants charged
More than 1,400 migrants have now been charged with trespassing in militarised border zones—charges that carry up to 18 months in prison, in addition to penalties for illegal entry. A judge in New Mexico has already dismissed over 100 such cases, citing insufficient evidence that migrants knew the areas were restricted.
Political fallout and business impact
In Los Angeles, over 30 mayors have demanded an end to immigration raids. In response, Trump has ordered an additional 2,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to reinforce law enforcement.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has emerged as a key opponent, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer calling him “a champion of immigrant dignity.”
Meanwhile, businesses are feeling the impact. Omaha-based Glenn Valley Foods saw over half its workforce arrested during an ICE raid, despite using the government’s E-Verify system. “We did everything right and still got punished,” said owner Gary Rohwer, who now operates at just 30 per cent capacity.
With plans to expand military zones and a firm stance from federal prosecutors like the US Attorney Justin Simmons, the Trump administration shows no sign of slowing down. “Win or lose, people entering illegally will face consequences,” Simmons said.
(With inputs from agencies)