Los Angeles declares tactical alert amidst immigration unrest
On the afternoon of June 8, local time, police from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), outfitted in riot gear, retreated after a tense standoff with protesters near the Edward Roybal Federal Building. Shortly after, the LAPD announced a citywide tactical alert, allowing supervisors to keep officers on duty during emergencies and maintain high staffing levels. This measure authorizes police to work overtime to respond to the escalating situation.
Reports from NBC indicate that police opened fire on protestors in downtown Los Angeles on June 8, further intensifying tensions.
Clashes with National Guard outside federal building
By midday, dozens of demonstrators gathered outside federal law enforcement offices in downtown Los Angeles, where they confronted National Guard personnel deployed to the area. The National Guard repeatedly fired tear gas to disperse the crowd, but the number of protesters continued to grow.
Trump calls for action to 'end immigration riots'
On June 8, President Donald Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to address the situation, declaring that Los Angeles had been "invaded and occupied" by illegal immigrants and criminals. He accused violent rioters of attacking federal agents in an attempt to obstruct deportation efforts.
Trump directed Homeland Security Secretary Noem, Defense Secretary Hegseth, and Attorney General Bondi to work together with relevant agencies to take all necessary actions to "liberate Los Angeles" from the immigrant invasion and end these immigration riots.
The president emphasized that order would be restored, illegal immigrants would be deported, and Los Angeles would regain its "freedom."
Unrest spreads to New York City
The unrest has spread beyond Los Angeles. On June 7, nearly 150 protesters clashed with police in Manhattan, New York City, to oppose large-scale federal immigration raids. Over 20 demonstrators were arrested, according to reports from CBS and the New York Post.
Since the morning of June 6, federal agencies, including US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, have conducted sweeping immigration enforcement operations across Los Angeles County. These raids have sparked widespread street protests, chaos, and violent confrontations.
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