Clashes Erupt Downtown, Police Use Tear Gas
On the afternoon of June 8, Los Angeles' downtown witnessed intense protests, with police resorting to firing tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd. Some protesters threw water bottles and stones at the police, creating a highly tense atmosphere on site.
Reports indicate that in the afternoon, protesters moved from near the federal building onto the onramp of Highway 101, causing a complete halt in traffic. As police rushed to the scene to control the situation, demonstrators moved along the ramp onto the main highway and surrounded the officers on duty, while congregating at three major intersections in the area. The police declared the gathering illegal and fired non-lethal bullets and tear gas at the protestors, filling the area with smoke.
Despite multiple warnings from the police that those who threw objects at law enforcement would be arrested, the protesters did not disperse, and the standoff in downtown continued late into the night.
Paramount Witnesses Intense Standoff, Tensions Escalate with Federal Agents
The previous day, on June 7, clashes erupted in Paramount, about 30 kilometers from downtown. The area, known for its Latino immigrant community, saw hundreds of residents standing off against heavily armed federal agents.
During the confrontation, enforcement officers fired tear gas and flash-bang grenades to disperse protesters, while angry residents responded with stones and water bottles, leading to chaotic scenes. Analysts suggested that the tense atmosphere is closely linked to the recent crackdown on immigration enforcement.
Trump Labels Situation as "Riot," Orders Strong Response
On June 8, President Trump posted on his social media platform "Real Social," claiming that Los Angeles had been "invaded by illegal immigrants and criminals," asserting that violent individuals were trying to thwart the federal government's removal actions. He stated that federal agents were under attack and that Los Angeles was in "chaos."
In his statement, Trump ordered high-ranking officials such as Homeland Security Secretary Noem, Secretary of Defense Hegseth, and Attorney General Bondi to take all necessary measures to collaboratively "liberate Los Angeles from the invasion of illegal immigrants" and "end these immigrant riots."
Deployment of National Guard, Federal Actions Intensify
On the same day, the White House released a statement indicating that Trump had signed a presidential memorandum authorizing the deployment of 2,000 members of the National Guard to Los Angeles to support in dealing with the "escalating unlawful activities."
Meanwhile, federal agencies like the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) continued large-scale operations targeting illegal immigrants throughout Los Angeles County, resulting in severe clashes with local residents for the second consecutive day.
Community Worries Over Escalating Crisis, Calls for Peaceful Dialogue
With escalating use of force, several human rights organizations and community representatives expressed serious concerns. They warned that hardline measures could exacerbate racial and immigration issues, urging the government to avoid further militarization of law enforcement and to engage with communities in dialogue to seek more peaceful solutions.
