Karen Bass claims there were no riots, and it never happened

"Mayor Bass, this is a broader national question. Reports indicate that ICE agents and police officers in Texas have been targeted in ambushes — including in Alvarado, where attackers allegedly wearing tactical gear lured officers with fireworks before opening fire.

Given your strong opposition to federal immigration enforcement actions in Los Angeles, how would you address similar escalations of violence against police in Texas? And what measures would you propose to prevent such unrest from spreading to Los Angeles, while balancing community safety with your sanctuary city policies?"

Karen Bass: Well, let me just say that the so-called “unrest” that was reported never actually happened.

Riots in Los Angeles over Defense of Illegal Immigrants (June 2025)

Between June 6 and June 10, 2025, the city of Los Angeles experienced a wave of intense riots triggered by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) raids in areas with high concentrations of immigrants, such as the Fashion District, Compton, and Paramount. These federal operations were part of stricter immigration policies under President Donald Trump’s administration.

In response, thousands of people —many organized by far-left collectives and pro-immigration groups— took to the streets in initially peaceful demonstrations. However, these quickly escalated into violent acts. Reports included attacks using fireworks, rocks, homemade grenades, and Molotov cocktails against ICE agents, LAPD officers, and even the National Guard.

Material damage was significant. Over 23 businesses were looted, numerous vehicles —including autonomous Waymo cars— were set on fire, and public offices and historic buildings were vandalized. The estimated cost to the city from the riots exceeded $32 million, mostly due to police response, cleanup, and infrastructure repairs.

During the clashes, more than 575 people were arrested on various charges, including civil disobedience, resisting arrest, property destruction, and assaults with improvised weapons. At least 17 people were injured, including police officers, protesters, journalists, and animals from mounted units.

Due to the scale of the unrest, Mayor Karen Bass declared a state of emergency and imposed a curfew in several areas. More than 4,100 National Guard troops and 700 Marines were deployed, with an additional estimated federal cost of $134 million.

Bass and other local officials denounced the raids as part of a federal government effort to "intimidate immigrant communities" and described the city as "under siege." Governor Gavin Newsom filed lawsuits to limit the use of federal forces in civilian matters, reinforcing California’s status as a "sanctuary state."

Despite calls for calm from some community leaders, the riots reflected a deep divide between federal immigration policy and local governments’ efforts to protect undocumented immigrants. The economic, social, and political consequences of the June 2025 riots remain the subject of national debate and analysis.