Downtown Los Angeles Erupts In Protests As I.C.E. Clashes Turn Violent

UPDATED: Sunday, June 8 11:43 PM

As protesters clash with ICE agents and federal troops flood the city, immigrant communities carry both the trauma and the torch.

We’ve Seen This Before

What’s happening in Downtown Los Angeles isn’t just about one protest.
It’s about years, even generations, of immigrant communities being criminalized, devalued, and silenced. And this weekend, the people said: enough.

What started as a peaceful protest outside the Metropolitan Detention Center has exploded into a full-scale clash. This is not just a moment. It is a movement built on rage, resilience, and refusal to be erased.

Filipinos and Latinos, this is our fight. These are our streets. And what’s happening in LA right now is deeply personal.

What’s Really Happening NOW:

• Downtown LA is now officially an "unlawful assembly zone." As of Sunday night, LAPD expanded the order to cover the entire area. Just showing up can now get you arrested.

• At least 10 protesters have been detained. Police used flash bangs and tear gas to break up crowds. Footage shows officers shoving and striking protestors while making arrests.

• More than 2,000 demonstrators took over the 101 Freeway. Self-driving Waymo cars were set on fire. Traffic was shut down for over an hour. Southbound lanes remain closed.

• This is no longer just a protest. It is a riot. Fireworks, broken glass, smoke in the air, police overwhelmed. This is what happens when communities are pushed to the edge.

• 300 National Guard troops are now operating in LA, deployed under federal orders.

• 500 Marines at Twentynine Palms are on "ready to deploy" status, according to US Northern Command.

• California Governor Gavin Newsom has called this deployment unlawful. He is demanding that the federal government back off and let local leaders handle it.

This is not about keeping us safe. This is about sending a message to those who dare to resist.

But wait, the LAPD: Not With Them?

In a press conference Sunday night, LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said the department is not connected to the federal crackdown. He claimed LAPD officers are doing their best to de-escalate and protect communities, not enforce immigration policy.

But people on the ground are still being hit. Still being arrested. Still being silenced. Whether they wear LAPD patches or not, force is still being used against our people.

If You Are Out There Protesting, Here Are Quick Tips:

• Roll deep: Never go alone. Go with trusted friends and stay together.

• Protect yourself: Wear a mask, goggles, comfortable shoes, and layers. Bring water, snacks, and a small first aid kit.

• Limit digital tracking: Turn off Face/Touch ID. Use a passcode. Airplane mode is your friend.

• Know your rights: You do not have to speak to police or ICE. Say, "I want to remain silent and speak to a lawyer."

• Bring essentials: ID (if safe), emergency contacts on paper, cash (not cards), and a backup phone battery.

• Avoid wearing anything that makes you identifiable: No logos, flashy jewelry, or unique clothing.

• Record safely: If you film police, pan wide, blur faces if sharing publicly, and upload to encrypted storage.

If You’re Not Protesting but Still Want to Help:

• Document wisely
  Share bail fund links. Post only verified info. Avoid spreading graphic trauma unless it’s consented or necessary.

• Amplify trusted voices
  Lift up community organizers, legal aid groups, and independent journalists. Don’t center yourself.

• Protect your energy
  Step away from the noise when needed. Your well-being matters too. Rest is part of the resistance.

• Donate where it counts
  Support local bail funds, immigrant rights orgs, and mutual aid collectives in LA and beyond.

• Feed the frontlines
  Send food, supplies, or Venmo to protest crews and community kitchens organizing on the ground.

• Call your reps
  Demand they speak out against militarization and protect immigrant rights. Silence is complicity.

• Have hard conversations
  Talk to your family. Educate your circles. Normalize activism in your home and in your feed.

• Create space for healing
  Host prayer circles, art builds, or check-ins. Resistance includes joy, community, and care.

To every undocumented worker, every mixed-status family, every Lola working double shifts and every Tía marching in the streets — we see you.

We are tired. We are angry. And we are done being quiet.

Filipino and Latino communities have always carried this country on our backs. We have always shown up for our families, our futures, and our freedoms.

This moment is no different.

We are not outsiders. We are not disposable.
We belong here.
We fight together.
We rise together.

The revolution is collective. And we are bringing all our brown brilliance with us.

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