Looting Erupts in Los Angeles Amid Immigration Protests
Violent Protests Unfold in Los Angeles
A disturbing event has emerged during the ongoing demonstrations in Los Angeles against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions initiated by President Donald Trump. Footage has surfaced showing masked individuals breaking into an Apple store, vandalizing and stealing merchandise. Additional videos reveal similar incidents occurring at various other retail locations. Local law enforcement has reported multiple arrests related to these violent protests and acts of destruction, which began following a series of raids conducted by the Trump administration on June 6.
Viral Footage of the Looting
Videos circulating on social media depict individuals rushing into the Apple store and taking items. A clip shared by journalist Brendan Gutenschwager on X shows several masked figures entering the store and grabbing products. He commented, "Apple store in downtown LA being looted tonight." Other establishments, including Adidas stores, pharmacies, and marijuana dispensaries, were also affected.
Police Response and Curfew Imposed
Los Angeles Police Department Officer Chris Miller confirmed that one woman was apprehended in connection with the looting incident at the Apple store. In response to the escalating violence, Mayor Karen Bass declared a local emergency and instituted a curfew for downtown Los Angeles, stating, "I have declared a local emergency and issued a curfew for downtown Los Angeles to stop the vandalism, to stop the looting."
Tensions Rise Outside Federal Detention Center
Protests outside a federal detention center in Los Angeles intensified as law enforcement, including the California National Guard and Department of Homeland Security, deployed non-lethal tear gas to disperse demonstrators. Numerous undocumented immigrants were also taken into custody during these confrontations.
Trump's Remarks on the Protests
President Trump criticized the protests in Los Angeles, labeling them as "a full-blown assault on peace, public order, and national sovereignty" during a speech at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the US Army. He highlighted the drastic changes Los Angeles has undergone over the years, asserting, "Within the span of a few decades, Los Angeles has gone from being one of the cleanest, safest and most beautiful cities on earth, to being a trash heap with entire neighborhoods under the control of transnational gangs and criminal networks."