An ABC News reporter claimed protests were “very peaceful” while demonstrators hurled projectiles at police and set fires during violent clashes over ICE raids in downtown Los Angeles.
At a Glance
- Hundreds of protesters rallied in downtown Los Angeles against ICE immigration raids, leading to violent clashes with authorities
- An ABC News reporter described the demonstrations as “very peaceful” even as footage showed aggression, including projectiles thrown at law enforcement and fires
- LAPD declared an unlawful assembly and deployed officers in riot gear while a city-wide Tactical Alert was in effect
- President Trump deployed National Guard troops to Los Angeles in response to the escalating situation
- The protests spread beyond downtown to other areas including Paramount and Compton, with incidents of looting and property damage
Media Portrayal vs. Reality on the Ground
Violent protests erupted in downtown Los Angeles following Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, highlighting a stark contrast between media coverage and actual events. Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the Federal Building at 300 N Los Angeles Street, eventually marching toward the detention facility in the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building. As tensions escalated, protesters blocked building entrances and exits where immigrant detainees were being processed, effectively preventing access for families and legal representatives.
An ABC 7 News reporter’s live coverage became emblematic of the disconnect between reporting and reality when she claimed, “The demonstrations have been going on right outside the federal detention center. Most of those demonstrations were very peaceful – they’re chanting, they’re shouting… and again, they’re expressing their anger about the detention of so many immigrants at the federal detention center,” even as she was being harassed and heckled by protesters on camera.
Escalation and Law Enforcement Response
The situation deteriorated rapidly as protesters launched explosives at the federal building and set cars and other property ablaze. The Los Angeles Police Department declared an unlawful assembly and warned that arrests would follow, eventually deploying officers in riot gear to disperse the increasingly volatile crowd. A city-wide Tactical Alert was issued, requiring all LAPD officers to remain on duty as the unrest spread to other areas including Paramount and Compton, where incidents of looting were reported.
“We are not intimidated or apprehensive,” said FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino. “Illegal immigration operations will continue, and anyone using violence to obstruct or impede these operations will be investigated and prosecuted.”
President Donald Trump responded by deploying California National Guard troops to Los Angeles. The authorization called for up to 2,000 National Guardsmen, though California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office reported only about 300 were actually on the ground. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth threatened to send in active duty Marines, citing a national security risk posed by the escalating violence.
Political Reactions and Community Impact
The federal response drew sharp criticism from California state officials. Governor Newsom contested the need for federal intervention, while Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass condemned the ICE operations and expressed support for immigrant communities. Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson backed the president’s decision, stating, “I think the president did exactly what he needed to do.” The political divide mirrored the tension between different narratives surrounding the protests.
“Families waiting to see the end of their family members that were detained earlier today they have not been able to see their family members. Attorneys have not been able to speak to the individuals that have been detained. They have been completely avoiding due process for individual,” said former California State Assemblywoman Wendy Carrillo.
Immigration attorneys were present at the Federal Building trying to provide legal assistance to families of those detained. One individual identified only as Israel, speaking of a detainee, told reporters, “I work with him. He’s not a criminal, nothing. He’s nice people. He’s working good and, nice people. Family. He has two children. Working every day.” The human element of the story stood in stark contrast to the violent scenes unfolding across the city, further complicating the narrative around these events.
