Tensions flared in Los Angeles as federal immigration authorities conducted raids across the city, detaining dozens of people. The operation, part of President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, sparked protests and clashes between demonstrators and police.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass condemned the raids, stating they “sow terror in our communities and disrupt basic principles of safety in our city”. Caleb Soto of the National Day Laborer Organizing Network echoed her sentiments, saying the raids were designed to “create as much fear as possible”. Soto claimed that between 70 and 80 people were detained, with only three lawyers allowed access to provide legal advice.
The raids targeted various locations, including an apparel store, a Home Depot, and a clothing warehouse. ICE agents reportedly didn’t obtain judicial warrants, instead using “reasonable suspicion” to arrest individuals. Soto argued that this approach is “pretty unconstitutional”.
Meanwhile, a public feud between Trump and Elon Musk has intensified. Musk criticized a Trump-backed spending bill, calling it a “disgusting abomination”. Trump retaliated by questioning Musk’s government contracts and threatening to cut them. Musk further escalated the situation by referencing unverified claims about Trump’s ties to the Jeffrey Epstein files. Trump denied the allegations, calling Musk “crazy”.
The clash between the two figures represents a broader tension between populist conservatism and tech-driven progressivism. Dr. Emily Carter, a political science professor at Georgetown University, noted that “Musk and Trump represent two divergent visions for America’s future”. Their falling out could have significant implications for their respective supporters and the future of their alliance.
Protesters gathered after immigration agents took dozens of people into custody during raids across Los Angeles, leading to tense confrontations in the downtown area. Riot police and demonstrators squared off, with the police declaring the gathering an unlawful assembly. Those who failed to leave the area were subject to arrest, according to LAPD spokesperson Drake Madison. It’s reported that 44 people were arrested during the raids.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass condemned the federal immigration raids, saying they “sow terror in our communities and disrupt basic principles of safety in our city”. The raids are part of President Trump’s broader immigration crackdown, which includes revoking the temporary legal status of 530,000 people in the US. Critics argue that the raids are unconstitutional and aim to instill fear, particularly in immigrant communities.