Fact Check: Did protesters or the police start the riot in California

Fact Check: Did Protesters or the Police Start the Riot in California?

What We Know

The protests in Los Angeles began on June 6, 2025, in response to immigration raids conducted by ICE at various locations in the city. These raids were part of a broader federal strategy to target sanctuary cities, which had been a point of contention since the Trump administration's immigration policies were enacted. The protests quickly escalated into street riots as demonstrators clashed with law enforcement officers, including the Los Angeles Police Department and federal agents (Wikipedia).

On June 6, helmeted police in riot gear confronted protesters in downtown Los Angeles following a day of federal immigration raids. The situation intensified when protesters gathered outside the Metropolitan Detention Center, where federal agents used stun grenades and pepper balls to disperse the crowd. This led to further confrontations, with protesters blocking traffic on the 101 Freeway and engaging in skirmishes with law enforcement (New York Times, Reuters).

By June 7, the protests had spread to other areas, including Paramount and Compton, where rumors of additional immigration raids fueled tensions. Law enforcement, including the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse protesters, who retaliated by throwing rocks and fireworks (New York Times, Wikipedia).

On June 8, the situation escalated further as the National Guard was deployed to Los Angeles to support federal agents. Clashes continued, with law enforcement using tear gas and other crowd-control munitions to clear protesters from key locations, including the Metropolitan Detention Center (New York Times, CNN).

Analysis

The evidence from multiple sources indicates that the protests were initially sparked by federal immigration raids and were further inflamed by the presence of law enforcement in riot gear. The New York Times and Reuters provide detailed accounts of the confrontations, highlighting the use of force by law enforcement as a catalyst for the riots. These sources are reputable and have a history of thorough investigative reporting, lending credibility to their accounts.

However, the Wikipedia entry, while comprehensive, relies on a compilation of various reports and may not provide the most up-to-date or nuanced perspective. It is important to consider potential biases, as Wikipedia entries can be edited by multiple contributors with varying levels of expertise.

The deployment of the National Guard and the use of crowd-control tactics by law enforcement suggest that the authorities were prepared for potential unrest, which may have contributed to the escalation of violence. The BBC and NPR also report on the protests, emphasizing the role of federal immigration policies in inciting public outrage.

Conclusion

The claim that either protesters or the police started the riot in California is Partially True. The protests were initially triggered by federal immigration raids, which led to confrontations with law enforcement. While the police's use of force played a significant role in escalating the situation, the protests themselves were a response to broader immigration policies and enforcement actions. Both the actions of the protesters and the police contributed to the development of the riots.