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

Fact Check: Did the 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 federal immigration raids conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) across the city. These raids targeted individuals suspected of being undocumented immigrants and led to the arrest of dozens of people according to the BBC. The protests, which started peacefully, escalated into clashes between protesters and law enforcement officers. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and federal agents, including those from Homeland Security, were involved in managing the protests as reported by Reuters.

The situation intensified when President Trump ordered the deployment of at least 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles to manage the unrest. This decision was criticized by California's Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who argued that the federal intervention was unnecessary and inflammatory as detailed by the New York Times.

During the protests, law enforcement officers used various crowd-control measures, including tear gas and flash-bang grenades, to disperse the crowds. Protesters reportedly threw objects and chanted against the raids, which contributed to the volatile atmosphere as noted by USA Today.

Analysis

The available sources provide a mixed picture of the events, with both protesters and law enforcement being described as contributing to the escalation. The New York Times and BBC reports highlight the use of force by law enforcement, including crowd-control munitions and tear gas, which suggests an aggressive approach to managing the protests. However, these actions were reportedly in response to protesters throwing objects and refusing to disperse when ordered, as noted by Reuters and USA Today.

The credibility of the sources varies. The New York Times and BBC are reputable news organizations known for their rigorous reporting standards. Reuters also provides reliable coverage, often emphasizing factual reporting. However, the potential for bias exists, particularly in how the events are framed, given the politically charged nature of immigration issues and the involvement of federal forces.

The Wikipedia entry provides a summary of the events but should be used cautiously as it can be edited by anyone and may not always reflect the most current or accurate information.

Conclusion

The verdict on whether the protesters or the police started the riot in California is "Needs Research." The available evidence indicates that both parties contributed to the escalation of the situation. Law enforcement's use of force and the protesters' defiance and object-throwing both played roles in the unrest. However, the complexity of the events and the potential biases in reporting mean that further investigation and corroboration from additional sources are necessary to reach a definitive conclusion.

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