Key Points
- Violence and looting broke out during anti-immigration enforcement protests in downtown Los Angeles, with the Apple Store, Jordan flagship, and other businesses targeted.
- Viral videos show masked individuals breaking into stores, vandalizing property, and clashing with police.
- President Trump ordered the deployment of 4,100 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to the city, sparking sharp criticism from California officials.
- Over 100 arrests made as law enforcement works to restore order; business owners and residents express deep concern over safety and damages.
- Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass condemn the violence and criticize the federal response as politically motivated.
Los Angeles: Downtown Los Angeles descended into chaos Sunday night as protests against stepped-up immigration enforcement by federal authorities spiraled into violence, looting, and a massive show of military force. What began as peaceful demonstrations quickly escalated, with masked groups breaking into and ransacking high-profile retail stores, including the Apple Store and the Jordan flagship location.
Viral Scenes of Looting and Vandalism
Dramatic footage circulating on social media captured dozens of individuals in black hoodies and masks smashing their way into the Apple Store, grabbing electronics, and vandalizing the premises. Similar scenes played out at the Jordan store, Adidas, dispensaries, pharmacies, and other businesses along Broadway and Main Street. Police sirens and sounds resembling gunfire were heard in the area as law enforcement rushed to the scene.
Some looters were reportedly trapped inside the Apple Store when police arrived, leading to arrests on-site. Across downtown, shattered windows, graffiti, and the remains of burned-out Waymo self-driving cars lined the streets by Monday morning. Crews began cleaning up the extensive damage as authorities maintained a heavy presence at key intersections.
Protests Sparked by Immigration Enforcement Raids
The unrest was triggered by a series of high-profile Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids that began Friday, resulting in the arrest of over 40 undocumented immigrants in the Los Angeles area. The crackdown drew widespread condemnation and prompted thousands to take to the streets in protest, with demonstrations spreading to other California cities.
Trump’s Response: Massive Troop Deployment
President Donald Trump responded to the escalating violence by ordering the deployment of an additional 2,000 National Guard troops, bringing the total to over 4,100 in Los Angeles, along with 700 active-duty Marines. Trump defended the move as necessary to prevent the city from being “completely ruined,” while also criticizing local leaders for failing to maintain order.
Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass, however, denounced the federal intervention as excessive and politically motivated. Newsom called the deployment “reckless” and vowed to challenge it in court, while Bass warned that those who vandalize and loot “will be held accountable” and must be separated from those peacefully advocating for immigrant rights.
Law Enforcement Actions and Arrests
Law enforcement declared an unlawful assembly in downtown Los Angeles Sunday night, dispersing crowds with tear gas, rubber bullets, and mass arrests. More than 100 people were detained for offenses ranging from looting and vandalism to assaulting officers. Police and National Guard units staged at multiple intersections, working through the night to restore order.
Aftermath: City on Edge, Political Feud Intensifies
By Monday morning, the city was left reeling from the violence. Business owners assessed the damage, and residents voiced fears about ongoing unrest. The events have intensified the political feud between the Trump administration and California’s leadership, with lawsuits threatened over the use of military force in civilian law enforcement.
