A protest in downtown Los Angeles over federal immigration raids escalated into violent chaos Monday night, with masked looters targeting multiple businesses, including a high-profile break-in at an Apple Store. Videos shared widely on social media showed individuals smashing the store's windows, stealing electronic products, and defacing the building with graffiti.
The unrest marks a dramatic shift from what began as peaceful demonstrations against a series of immigration enforcement raids initiated by the Trump administration late last week. Tensions flared as other stores, including Adidas outlets, pharmacies, marijuana dispensaries, and jewelry shops, were similarly looted or vandalized. Shelves were emptied and storefronts destroyed.
Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) confirmed at least three arrests tied directly to the looting, including one woman apprehended inside the ransacked Apple Store. While LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell did not release a final arrest count for Monday night, he confirmed that the weekend had already seen over 50 arrests, some linked to attempted violence with commercial fireworks and Molotov cocktails.
In response to the escalating violence, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued a curfew for the city’s downtown area, effective from 8 PM to 6 AM. She stressed that criminal acts do not reflect the goals of the immigration reform protests. "Anyone who vandalised Downtown or looted stores does not care about our immigrant communities. You will be held accountable," she posted on X.
Calls for intervention have also grown stronger. The Historic Core Business Improvement District requested National Guard assistance to stabilize the area. Executive Director Blair Besten emphasized the urgent need to protect local businesses and maintain public safety. Earlier in the day, demonstrators gathered peacefully at Gloria Molina Grand Park, but the mood turned volatile as night fell.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump issued a stark warning from the White House, declaring that any protests during this weekend’s planned U.S. Army 250th anniversary military parade in Washington would be met with a "very big force." Federal and local agencies are reportedly preparing for massive turnouts amid heightened national tensions surrounding immigration and public order.
The ongoing wave of demonstrations in Los Angeles reflects growing national unrest, with critics accusing the Trump administration of authoritarian tactics and an aggressive crackdown on immigration. As the situation unfolds, law enforcement and city leaders continue urging calm while vowing to hold offenders accountable.
