LOS ANGELES – Violent protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations turned into full-scale riots across Los Angeles County last night, prompting former President Donald Trump to demand an immediate law enforcement crackdown.
Night of Chaos
What began as peaceful demonstrations against recent ICE raids quickly escalated into what police are calling “coordinated acts of urban terrorism.” Protesters clad in black bloc attire:
- Set fires outside the federal building in Westwood
- Vandalized multiple LAPD patrol vehicles
- Clashed with officers using makeshift shields and projectiles
- Shut down the 101 Freeway for nearly three hours
LAPD Chief Michel Moore reported 14 injured officers and 87 arrests, though many rioters escaped as police struggled to contain multiple flashpoints across the city.
Trump’s Fiery Response
In a late-night statement from Mar-a-Lago, the 45th president declared:
“These aren’t protestors – they’re ANTIFA thugs and professional anarchists being allowed to run wild by cowardly Democrat politicians. When I was in office, we stopped this nonsense immediately by authorizing federal force. Where is Biden? Where is Newsom? They’re hiding while America burns.”
Trump specifically called for:
- Immediate National Guard deployment
- Federal conspiracy charges for protest organizers
- Revocation of bail for arrested rioters
Political Firestorm
The unrest has reignited national debates with:
► Immigration hardliners pointing to the riots as proof of radical opposition to border enforcement
► Civil rights groups accusing police of excessive force after viral videos showed baton strikes on restrained protestors
► Business leaders demanding emergency protection after widespread looting in Koreatown
What’s Next?
With another protest scheduled tonight outside ICE headquarters, all eyes are on whether:
- Governor Newsom will activate National Guard
- Federal prosecutors will bring domestic terrorism charges
- LAPD will implement tougher crowd control measures
As smoke still lingered over downtown this morning, one boarded-up shop owner told reporters: “This isn’t protest – this is war on our city. When does it stop?”
Reporter
