Fact Check: Were the rioters in LA illegal immigrants?
What We Know
Recent protests in Los Angeles, sparked by immigration raids conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), have led to significant unrest and numerous arrests. According to a report by the BBC, protests began after ICE operations targeted areas with large Latino populations, resulting in the arrest of 44 unauthorized immigrants in a single operation, with a total of 77 arrests in the greater LA area on that day (BBC). The protests have been described as a response to what many perceive as aggressive immigration policies under President Trump, who has emphasized a crackdown on illegal immigration (NBC News).
The protests have seen a mix of peaceful demonstrations and violent clashes, particularly in downtown LA, where police declared an "unlawful assembly" and imposed a curfew (BBC). Reports indicate that while some protesters have engaged in violent acts, including attacks on law enforcement, there is no definitive evidence that the rioters themselves were illegal immigrants (AP News).
Analysis
The claim that the rioters in LA were illegal immigrants lacks substantial evidence. While the protests were indeed fueled by anger over immigration raids that disproportionately affected undocumented individuals, the identity of the rioters has not been conclusively established. The Los Angeles Police Department has not publicly confirmed the immigration status of those arrested during the protests, which numbered at least 338 (BBC).
Moreover, the context of the protests is crucial. Many demonstrators were protesting against the very immigration policies that led to the raids, suggesting that not all participants in the protests were undocumented immigrants. The protests have attracted a wide range of participants, including citizens and legal residents who oppose the government's actions (The Guardian).
The sources used to evaluate this claim vary in reliability. The BBC and NBC News are generally regarded as credible news organizations with a history of accurate reporting. In contrast, some reports from less established sources may carry biases that could affect the portrayal of events (AP News, NBC News).
Conclusion
Needs Research. The assertion that the rioters in LA were illegal immigrants is not supported by concrete evidence. While the protests were indeed related to immigration issues, the identity and immigration status of the individuals involved in the rioting remain unclear. Further investigation is required to ascertain the demographics of those arrested and their motivations for participating in the protests.
Sources
- Everything we know about the protests in LA and other US cities
- National Guard and Marines to support immigration raids
- As immigration raids continue, ICE protests spread coast to coast
- Los Angeles, city of immigrant protests: why it's no surprise
- June 11, 2025 - Anti-ICE protests in LA and across US
