LA protests: Trump officials, protesters, social media clash with LA mayor Karen Bass over ICE immigration crackdown
Los Angeles descended into chaos this weekend as federal immigration raids prompted widespread protests, tear gas deployments, and over 45 arrests. The crackdown, led by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), triggered intense clashes outside key detention sites. Federal agents used stun grenades and flash-bangs as protesters resisted their presence. Some blocked vehicles, others defaced federal buildings with slogans like 'KILL ICE.'
The protests began on Friday and spilled into Saturday. That evening, US President Donald Trump authorised the deployment of 2,000 California National Guard troops. A White House statement described the move as necessary due to 'violent mobs' who had 'attacked ICE Officers and Federal Law Enforcement Agents carrying out basic deportation operations in Los Angeles, California.'
The statement further added: 'These operations are essential to halting and reversing the invasion of illegal criminals into the United States... California's feckless Democrat leaders have completely abdicated their responsibility to protect their citizens.'
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Trump deploys 2,000 national guard troops to LA amid growing anti-ICE protests
LA Immigration Protests: Bass responds with outrage and criticism mounts
Mayor
Karen Bass
, whose city has long branded itself a sanctuary for immigrants, issued a strongly worded response. 'This morning, we received reports of federal immigration enforcement actions in multiple locations in Los Angeles,' she said. 'As Mayor of a proud city of immigrants, who contribute to our city in so many ways, I am deeply angered by what has taken place. These tactics sow terror in our communities and disrupt basic principles of safety in our city.'
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Bass also stated that her office was working closely with immigrant rights organisations and pledged, 'We will not stand for this.'
But her defiance drew fierce criticism online, particularly from Trump administration officials. The backlash was swift and personal.
'You have no say in this at all,' wrote White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller. 'Federal law is supreme and federal law will be enforced.'
Los Angeles Immigration Raids Protests: Online outrage and calls for Bass's arrest surge
As tensions escalated, so did public calls for accountability. A growing chorus on social media called for Bass's arrest.
One post on X read: 'Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is responsible for the chaos and lawlessness happening now. It's time to play hardball. Arrest Karen Bass.' Another said: 'Karen Bass is a criminal and should be arrested. She blocked her local officers from assisting these Federal ICE Officers… she didn't give a crap as to their safety. This is UNACCEPTABLE.'
Conservative commentator Steve Guest wrote: 'Communist sympathiser Karen Bass takes the side of illegal alien criminals vs. American citizens. To think, she was almost Biden's VP pick.'
And GOP Representative Darrell Issa added: 'If only Karen Bass fought against the Los Angeles fires like she fights for illegal aliens.'
Also Read:
California unrest: How Los Angeles immigration protests turned ugly after citywide ICE operations
Immigration Raids Protests: Federal officials double down: 'Obstruction is a crime'
U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli confirmed that one protester, David Huerta, was arrested after 'deliberately obstructing' ICE agents at a workplace operation. Huerta, who leads the California arm of the Service Employees International Union, will be arraigned in federal court on Monday.
'Let me be clear,' Essayli stated. 'I don't care who you are — if you impede federal agents, you will be arrested and prosecuted.'
Former Trump adviser Sebastian Gorka invoked a recent terror attack in Boulder, allegedly involving an undocumented immigrant, to further criticise Bass: 'They're Illegals. Not 'immigrants.' One just tried to burn Americans alive... If you're aiding and abetting them you're a criminal too.'
ICE Protests Los angeles: LAPD distances itself from federal operation
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has drawn scrutiny for its neutral stance. In a statement, Chief Jim McDonnell said: 'The LAPD is not involved in civil immigration enforcement. While we will continue to have a visible presence in all our communities to ensure public safety, we will not assist or participate in any sort of mass deportations.'
This non-involvement angered officials in Washington. Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin wrote: '800 protestors have surrounded and breached the first layer of a federal law enforcement building in LA. LAPD has not responded. This violence against ICE must stop.'
McLaughlin added, 'We will not stand for THIS,' echoing Bass's own words in a pointed rebuke.
California Protest: Political storm reignites past criticism
Bass's leadership is once again in the spotlight. Earlier this year, she faced similar calls for resignation and arrest over the city's poor wildfire response, which left 30 people dead and displaced hundreds. Critics accuse her of misplaced priorities—focusing on political symbolism over governance.
'Can't get permits for people to rebuild their homes after a wildfire,' one post said, 'but focused like a laser beam on stopping immigration enforcement.'
Special Presidential Envoy Richard Grenell joined the chorus: 'Karen Bass whipped all of this up. She attacked the rule of law. She undermined democracy. The @MayorOfLA is creating chaos in LA.'
As federal immigration enforcement under Trump intensifies, so too does the divide between state and national leadership. For now, the streets of Los Angeles remain tense—and so does the future of its mayor.
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