Immigration Raids Ignite Protests and Divide in Sanctuary City Los Angeles

Federal immigration raids across Los Angeles sparked widespread protests starting Friday, as dozens of people were detained at various city locations. This deeply affected many in a city celebrated for its immigrant population and cultural diversity.

In 2024, the Los Angeles government reported that over 1.35 million immigrants live in the city—about one-third of all residents. This demographic makes immigration enforcement a highly charged and personal issue for many Angelenos.

Sunday’s protests were especially concentrated near the federal building in Downtown LA, close to neighborhoods like Little Tokyo and Chinatown, which are historic centers of immigrant communities.

Los Angeles officially declared itself a sanctuary city in November, just before President Donald Trump’s administration began. The designation restricts the city’s cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

Under the sanctuary city law, city resources and government employees cannot be used for immigration enforcement. The law also prohibits sharing any data directly or indirectly with federal immigration agencies.

President Trump has repeatedly condemned sanctuary cities, arguing they hinder immigration enforcement. He has pledged to punish jurisdictions that do not cooperate with federal authorities.

In April, Trump ordered the Department of Homeland Security and the attorney general to list sanctuary jurisdictions and identify federal funds that could be withheld from them.

A list of over 500 sanctuary jurisdictions was published by DHS in late May but was soon removed amid questions about its accuracy and confusion from cities mistakenly included.

LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell announced that ten protesters were arrested amid clashes during Sunday’s demonstrations. The arrests highlighted rising tensions between law enforcement and immigrant communities.

Speaking to reporters, McDonnell said the LAPD’s mission is to keep everyone safe without politicizing law enforcement or dividing communities.

He acknowledged the “deep fear and anxiety” among immigrants following recent enforcement efforts and assured the public the department is committed to treating everyone with respect and fairness.

Regarding the National Guard, McDonnell said their deployment was ordered “from the top down” and was not requested by local police.

Despite limited interaction with the National Guard troops, McDonnell praised the overall cooperation, describing their relationship as “tremendous.”

The protests reveal a growing rift between local sanctuary policies and federal immigration priorities. For many residents, these raids are more than law enforcement—they are attacks on their families and neighborhoods.

As Los Angeles continues to resist federal pressure, the city’s identity as a sanctuary and safe haven for immigrants remains at the heart of this ongoing struggle.